Encouraging Notes

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MAY YOU KNOW IT!

Merry Christmas! I know this is a busy time of year. This often makes it difficult to settle one’s mind enough to recognize the beauty found in the truth that this season commemorates. This note is to encourage you to take the time to wrap your mind around the wonder of Jesus coming to earth.

The Bible speaks of a great man called John the Baptist. He was a man who understood the season he was in and capitalized on it. As a man revered by many, John the Baptist is one who went down in history as an amazing man of God! He did not claim to be someone great, but according to Jesus, among those born of women, he was the greatest.

“I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”Matthew 11:11

Though John the Baptist was so great, when Jesus Christ showed up, John recognized him and declared him as “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

John 1:29-31 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.

John the Baptist knew that Jesus Christ was the answer to the whole world and heralded this truth to all the people. I wonder during this Christmas season how many will recognize Jesus Christ as the answer to our hurting world. Jesus Christ coming to earth is the greatest news one could ever hear! The truth of Jesus coming to earth to redeem us back to God is what we call the “Gospel,” which means good news.

When Jesus was here, he told us to pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 What the world desperately needs is the revelation of why Jesus came! His coming marks the beginning of true and wonderful life for those who will surrender to its truth! Here’s the question: Do you  recognize  Jesus as the answer for your life? I believe that you do, but like me, you understand it in part. There is so much more for us to gain – so much more to experience inside of the beautiful life of God.

Do you know what it is to live completely free of condemnation, guilt and shame? Do you know what it is to live free from fear and anxiety? Do you know what it is like to live completely loved and adored? Do you know that you're everything God has ever wanted?

When John the Baptist showed up on the scene, he knew he was there to prepare the way for the one who would take away the sin of the whole world. Have you internalized the reality that Jesus took upon himself not only all of your sin, but also the sin of the entire world? If you consider this, it is a crazy statement! How important and valuable are you? Why would somebody be willing to die for you? What a fantastic season to let your mind wonder! When studying John the Baptist, I am convinced that he knew it. I believe he knew that Jesus would change the course of all of history and bring about freedom for all who would believe.This is a most glorious season! May you take the time to settle your heart and mind to receive and wonder why the truth of Christmas is so important! Oh yes,

MAY YOU KNOW IT!

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