Christmas Is Coming!

“Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.”
Psalm 24:7

Much like a home under construction, maybe we can all relate to life as a “work in progress.” Not all of our good intentions for preparing heart, home and family for a beautiful, festive Christmas have come together. Some of the traditions, fantasies, expectations we’ve built around Christmas have left us feeling empty and exhausted. But the Good News is that Christmas is Coming!

According to God’s plan from the beginning of time, His Son Jesus CAME because of our sin, failures and weakness. He CAME to do battle for us against the ancient enemy. He CAME as a Help (Hebrews 2:16), not to be served, but to serve. (Matthew 20:28) The Psalmist calls out to us today, “Lift up your heads … that the King of glory may come in.”

Maybe Christmas is stirring up hurt or memories of lost loved ones, lost dreams.

Jesus CAME to bind up the brokenhearted. (Isaiah 61:1)
“Lift up your heads … that the King of Glory may come in.

Maybe strife and division have made your family a battleground

Jesus CAME to destroy the work of the devil. (Hebrews 2:14)
“Lift up your heads … that the King of Glory may come in.”

Maybe your own failures have caused you to distance yourself from God.

Jesus CAME to grant redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses. (John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7)
“Lift up your heads … that the King of Glory may come in.”

Maybe disappointment, delay, or disillusions have left you feeling cynical.

Jesus CAME to give hope for future. (Ephesians 1:15-18)
“Lift up your heads … that the King of Glory may come in.

Maybe your circumstances seem insurmountable.

Jesus CAME to repair and restore “the ruined cities.” (Isaiah 61:4)
“Lift up your heads … that the King of Glory may come in.

THIS IS CHRISTMAS: King Jesus, coming down from heaven to the dumpster of our lives to give us beauty for ashes.

Who is this King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty the Lord, mighty in battle!
… Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory!”
Psalm 24:8,10