HALLELUJAH!
THE KING HAS COME!
I was reminded recently of a video I viewed on my computer. In one of the big malls in New York, the people were crowded in long lines, rushing to and fro, packages under their arms, and some in a great hurry, and all of a sudden music filled the air, as a choir had formed in the upper level, and the choir started singing the Hallelujah Chorus! People stopped and looked up, some with smiles on their faces. In fact, the great crowd gathered there all stopped to listen and then many joined in song with the choir, raising great voices with “Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah [3x], for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah [2x].” I saw many in that crowd with hands raised in worship to the King of kings and Lord of lords!
To me, with tears in my eyes, made me think of a taste of heaven will be like when all of God’s people, from all ages join in one great chorus of Hallelujahs to our King! There won’t be any more rushing around. We won’t ever have to leave His glorious presence. Those wonderful “ God Moments” will last forever! And then there are those wonderful carols we sing in honor of His birth, and many also speak of that future day when He reigns forever and ever. Next time He comes He won’t come as a little baby, but as our Conquering King! Praise the Lord!
Good Christian men rejoice with heart and soul and voice! Give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today. Men and beast before Him bow and He is in the manger now: Jesus Christ is born today, Christ is born today.
Good Christian men rejoice with heart and soul and voice! Now ye hear of endless bliss: Jesus Christ was born for this. He hath opened heaven’s door, and man is blessed forevermore. Christ was born for this, Christ was born for this!
Good Christian men rejoice with heart and soul and voice! Now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save; calls you one, and calls you all, to gain His everlasting hall. Christ was born to save, Christ was born to save! (Latin, 14th century, 14th century German melody)
Yes, men and women of God rejoice! As we gather on Christmas Eve, many churches have candlelight services, and then as we gather on Sunday morning this year, let us rejoice with all our heart and soul. Just as Shepherds and the Wisemen bowed before Him, let us come before Him with Praise and worship in our hearts! As we come with the excitement of Christmas Day, let that excitement bring us into the presence of our Wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! The King has come! And because He came and dwelt among us, we are indeed blessed forever. And through His death and resurrection, Heaven’s gates are now open to all who will call upon His Name. This was why God sent His beloved Son, to call many sons to glory.
Because Jesus was born to save, we don’t have to fear the grave, He has conquered death. And in death, we go instantly into His presence. (II Corinthians 5:8) And as we head into this week, with all those last minute preparations, let us be reminded that the Light has come! And we can join in chorus with the angels, singing Hallelujah! He calls each one of us to be reminded that Christ came to save, and soon we will witness His second advent to this earth. Ask yourself this minute, am I ready? Search your heart and be ready when the trumpet of God will sound, and our Conquering King descends in the clouds of heaven.
“And now brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to the Christians who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus comes, God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died. I can tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not rise to meet him ahead of those who are in their graves. For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the call of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, all the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with him forever. So comfort and encourage each other with these words” I Thessalonians 4:13-18. (NLT)
I want to encourage you, my friends, as we prepare for Christmas this weekend, make sure you are ready for that great day. We don’t know the day nor the hour, but our Lord tells us to “Watch” and be ready! Do you know Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior and Lord? Pray right now and ask Him to come in and it will be the most wonderful Christmas you have ever experienced! You will have peace and joy, and no matter what storms my lie ahead this coming year, you will have Jesus by your side always.
“Father, I pray for those out there who are reading this blog right now. There are many who are lost without Jesus, many who are away from the fold of God. There are many who are grieving a first Christmas without a beloved son, daughter, spouse or mom or dad. I pray for many to come to Jesus right now. I pray for your comfort to reach down to those who grieve. I ask for peace, Your peace to come to those who are going through other great trials. I pray for a great harvest of precious souls this Christmas season, and that is why you came, Lord Jesus. And we thank and give you praise, in the Name of Jesus, Amen.”
Blessings,
Pastor Sharon
No comments:
Post a Comment