A teaching by Rev. Barbara Williams, President of the Ministry of the Watchman International
Week of December 21-25, 2020
MONDAY
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:9-11
When Jesus gives a birthday party for himself, He brings everybody to the party dressed in a particular spirit. They put on this spirit in response to His invitation. When Christmas is announced down here on earth, God responds by sending His Holy Spirit to prepare the atmosphere for the King’s arrival. As it was at the first Christmas, so it is now. The angel announced “good tidings of great joy for all people.” So everybody is invited to a Jesus party. They are invited to partake of good things and the day is to be filled with great joy… not small joy, and certainly not depression, bad news, or hard luck but GREAT JOY.
We know people who say they hate to see Christmas coming. Many reflect upon those times when they had little and felt the pressure to give gifts. They were embarrassed that they had so little. They continue to feel this way even though Jesus continues to invite them to a party filled with joy. Find a way to respond to His spirit of joy. Find a way to do it. Get over the embarrassment of feeling inadequate during this time. It is not only a time of giving, but also a time of receiving. Learn how to receive. God will give you much to give in due season. We need both types at a Jesus party.
If you are in need of healing, there is good news! Proverbs 4:20-22 SAYS:
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
So there is life and health in God’s word. Since God’s word is medicine, we must take it like we would a prescription. I suggest three times a day, like you would your food. Remember, healing is the children’s bread. Consider this your “dose” for today. Remember, read, and meditate three times a day the following:
Rx: Jeremiah 30:17a ~ “For I will restore health unto you and I will heal you of your wounds,” declares the Lord.
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15
If you’ve never studied the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, we invite you to join us as we read through the Bible in a year. Read and meditate on these chapters this week:
December 21: 2 Chronicles 25, Revelation 12, Zechariah 8, John 11
December 22: 2 Chronicles 26, Revelation 13, Zechariah 9, John 12
December 23: 2 Chronicles 27-28, Revelation 14, Zechariah 10, John 13
December 24: 2 Chronicles 29, Revelation 15, Zechariah 11, John 14
December 25: 2 Chronicles 30, Revelation 16, Zechariah 12-13:1, John 15
December 26: 2 Chronicles 31, Revelation 17, Zechariah 13:2-9, John 16
December 27: 2 Chronicles 32, Revelation 18, Zechariah 14, John 17
TUESDAY
So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading.
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.
Nehemiah 8:8-9
It is always good to go to God’s word to find out how to act, especially how to act at a Jesus party. After all, He is Lord of all. Nehemiah went to the Bible to find out how to dedicate the temple to God. We are the temples of God, you know. How do we dedicate ourselves to the right spirit during this season? The people read the book of the law, and you know what? They cried. They felt bad that they were in the wrong spirit. They felt bad that they were not putting God first, and hadn’t done so for many years. This is probably a lot of our problem around Christmas time. Many people are sad because they realize for the first time how far they are away from God in their hearts. Oh, they participate in religious things, but this season tests us all to see if we are of His spirit. Wish somebody good will today. Speak peace to someone. Love somebody. It’s His birthday. It’s His season. Act as He would.
WEDNESDAY
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.
Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:9-10
What does it mean for a day to be holy? Well, it means that it is set apart for God’s exclusive and sovereign use. This means that God’s law prevails during the holy days. God’s will for holy days is explained beautifully in this passage. It is certainly not a day for mourning and depression.
How can anyone have the holiday blues? God didn’t send that spirit to you so don’t receive it. You know what spirit he sends during this time? He sends a spirit of JOY! Holy joy? Of course, holy joy… The joy of the Lord, as a matter of fact. We rejoice in what He rejoices in. We have gladness and great joy, because we abide in Him and do what He would have us do on His holy day.
Obey God! Have fun! Quit complaining about what you don’t have. I don’t have the keys to Fort Knox or a voice like Aretha Franklin, but I can have His joy… I’d much rather have His joy!
THURSDAY
So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them.
Nehemiah 8:11-12
So this is how you enjoy a Jesus party. First, have a good time yourself. No mourning, no weeping, but have joy. Eat good things, things that you enjoy. For a Jew to eat the fat was a real treat. The fat of the sacrifice was always offered up to God. So on a holiday, we are allowed to have the King’s portion of good things. Drink the sweet. Treat yourself to something you usually don’t have. This is why we do extra baking, drink eggnog (without the rum, of course), and have plenty to nibble on. This is a day of enjoying all that God has to offer.
FRIDAY
So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them.
Nehemiah 8:11-12
And last but not least, send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared. We all know someone like this. Estranged loved ones need to be invited to the party. Shut ins need a visit. Hospice patients, homeless, jobless, neighbors, friends, anybody you can think of who is outside of the provision of God should be invited in. If you are divorced, your spouse who rarely sees the children should be invited to the Jesus party. You see what I mean by good tidings of great joy? This is the season to move in His strength, His joy, and His spirit. Make the most of it. Glorify Him.