| Parousia Patris Perspectives
The Journey Vol 3 No 9 Matt 2:10,11; Lk 24:13-18;2Tim 1:12 CHRISTmas 2008 "Mom, how much further to Granny's house?" Joel, the youngest, spoke again for the 5th time since they had left a restaurant along the way. It had been a long journey for sure. Rachel's mind drifted back to the Christmas story. Maybe now was a time to read about it to make the trip seem shorter. Jacob the oldest sighed, when Mom handed him her Bible. He read of the Journey of the Kings from the East. "Now Joel you see those wise men had to make a long journey too. How would you like to have a 2 year trip on camels across all kinds of territory to get somewhere?" "They probably weren't gonna git to play with their cuzins, eat cookies n' brownies before they were all gone! And open lotsa presents." Joel emphasized, adding he was getting hungry again. Jacob rolled his eyes. "The wise men were taking gifts to the King to worship Him. That was their goal." Dad commented. "What will we do when we get to the end of this journey? Will we rejoice with exceeding great joy like the wise men to worship our King Jesus too?" Mom wondered, if she was on that journey like the wise men of old too. When they stopped for a snack at a rest area, Dad said a prayer, "Dear Heavenly Father, help us when we get to the end of this journey to remember what the real Christmas is. May we take time to bow before Jesus and give Him the treasures of our heart." Christmas isn't only about Jesus being born in a manager as a baby. Its about the Son of God come to save the lost and bring us into an intimate relationship with Our Heavenly Father. It's a journey too. There are lots of journeys in the Bible and many journeys along the way in our life's journey. "I remember another journey after Jesus was on the Cross!" Rebeckah spoke up as she laid down her knitting the scarf for Granma. "There were some men, one's name was Cleopas. They were very sad because the one who they thought would be their King had died. That was Jesus of course." Mom interjected, "It's like that in our world today. Many have no hope. They have forgotten who Jesus really is, or have really never known Him. Their journey through life is filled with sadness, despair, discouragement and no hope, just like the men on the Emmaus road. "Mom, these men didn't recognize Jesus when He walked with them explaining the prophecies that told of His coming and His death and Resurrection. When they invited Him into their lives and listened as He spoke the scripture and broke bread with them, they became passionate about the reality of Jesus. They rushed back to Jerusalem spreading the news Jesus had risen." Dad popped the last bite of cookie into his mouth and swallowed. "Yes it was a sad journey with no hope in their circumstances, just like some have today without Jesus. It looked like their Savior and King was gone. They invited Jesus to come with them. When He broke bread it reminded them that Jesus had asked them to abide in Him and Him in them, as He did that last meal with them. Then their eyes were opened. They realized by His WORD burning within them, He was alive and they could not rest in their excitement. Just like the wise men, they had a journey to make to worship the King. They had to go tell others He is alive." What is your focus in your life journey? Are you just trying to make it under the circumstances of your world? Or is your focus on Jesus, as He takes you thru the circumstances on your spiritual journey of life? Jesus came as Immanuel, "God with us". If you invite Jesus into your heart, He will fellowship in communion with you and give you His Words of life--eternal life. That's the real story of Christmas. Its about God's journey to earth thru His Beloved Son to come into our hearts and Journey with us toward His heavenly home. Its about Jesus coming to give the Father's gospel of love, to proclaim release to the captives, and recover sight to the blind, to set free those downtrodden and proclaim the favorable year of the Lord. (Lk 4:18, Isaiah 61:10). Do you want freedom from your circumstances, from the prisons holding you in bondage, from debt and despair, loneliness and pain? Invite Jesus into your life as the Emmaus disciples. (Jn 3:16) Worship and bow down before Him and give Him your treasures as the wise men did. Your Journey will be filled with Joy and Abundant life, He promises. (Jn 10:10) Jesus wants to be Your Shepherd, Savior and Lord for a Joy filled Journey of Life. As we celebrate His birth, won't you invite Him to be born anew in you, this CHRISTmas? www.parousiapatris.com [email protected] P.O.1393 Ava, MO 65608 BHG---(C)2008 Pamela G Karges |