1 John 5:20

1 John 5:20 - We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true. And we are in Him who is true - even in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Before Christ there were some who knew God. There were priests and prophets that God would speak to and then they, in turn, would speak to the people. As a whole the people did not know or understand the things of God. Even the priests and prophets had a limited understanding. Then Christ came.

Christ changed life as it was known. He provided a direct link to the Father. Now we do not need an earthly priest to take our requests before God. We now have Jesus, who is in us and we are in Him.

Jesus has brought us into the kingdom of God in a new way. Before God’s people were just that: God’s people. Now we are no longer just God’s people, but we are also His children. We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.

Through Christ we now have the ability to understand God like we never could before. In fact, we are told that we have the mind of Christ. So we can know the true God and we receive eternal life in Him. And not only do we know Him who is true, we are also in Him. We are in God and He is in us!

Thank God that He sent Christ Jesus to bring us into the true kingdom and make us His children.

Luke 2:10-11

Luke 2:10-11 – But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”

Jesus was born alone. Mary and Joseph were far from home, with no family or friends to support them or rejoice with them. They were in Bethlehem and they did not know anybody. Everyone was busy and tired, having traveled many miles to register for the census.

When you have a baby, while it is nice for a little bit of alone time, you really want to share it with others. You want to proclaim it to everyone you know and let them share in your excitement. I know when I had my kids I called people and told them the good news over the phone. Others actually came and visited us in the hospital. There were people around to rejoice with and to brag a little too. Joseph and Mary had no one.

God knew this wasn't right. His Son had just been born and there was no one there to join in the celebration. He had to announce it. Today, we use phone calls, texting or facebook, God used a choir of angels. Just like any proud father wanting to announce the coming of His child. He sent His angels to a nearby field of shepherds, which was fitting, since Jesus would be the Shepherd of His people. God knew these shepherds would rejoice with Him.

Imagine Joseph and Mary when the shepherds showed up. “Who are you?” they probably asked. “Oh, we’re just some local shepherds. We were over on the hillside watching our sheep when angels appeared to tell us of Jesus birth. We just had to come see this miracle for ourselves.” The angels didn't tell them to go to see the baby Jesus; they were just announcing His birth. It was the shepherds who decided to go and visit them in the manger. Now Mary and Joseph had people to share in their joy.

Luke 1:37

Luke 1:37 - For nothing is impossible with God.

Such a simple statement, yet so profound. “Nothing is impossible with God.” We see our situation and “know” how the world works, so we assume we just have to accept it. This verse is spoken by an angel after he had prophesied over two separate women.

First, Elizabeth, who was “well along in years”, is told that she is going to have a child. It doesn't give us an actual age for her, we just know that she is well beyond “natural” child bearing years. We know that she has been crying out to God for a child for many years because the angel speaks to her saying, “Your cry has been heard, you will have a son.” Despite what everyone around her would say, she believed God and the impossible happened. She gave birth to a son, who would be called a prophet, despite the “natural” circumstance of old age.

Next we go to Mary. She young, pledged to be married, and is a virgin. She know’s she’s never been with a man and there is no “natural” way she could get pregnant, yet the angel tells her she will give birth to a Son. This child will be called the Son of God. Despite the “impossible” circumstances in her life, Mary chose to believe God and through Him achieved what is not humanly possible.

These two situations involved giving birth in impossible circumstances, but God doesn’t stop there. There is nothing that is impossible with God. What is your situation? Does it feel overwhelming with no way through? If you are with God there is nothing you cannot do.