Imagine yourself alone with a lit candle, and a fresh breeze blows in. For a brief moment you sense that you are not alone. You look about to see who came in. Your heart bursts with gratitude as you trust guardian angels are nearby. Suddenly, you hear a faint voice in the background “welcome, I’m so glad you are here.” An overwhelming brilliance floods where you stand and you are invited…..

During the year we all get endless invitations to sort through. Time is a generous gift that we all have limited amounts of. Counting our time most valuable, opportunities pass by like the number of pages in Gone with the Wind. However, as we sift through and cram as much as we can into our busy schedules, some invites that we choose to ignore may actually cost us eternally. A true story about a missed opportunity, but a second chance was extended. Could it be that you may encounter a face to face divine appointment? Let’s look at one startling invite sent to a righteous man. This guy was a priest before God who momentarily doubted the authenticity of the messenger. This story has been skipped by many during hectic seasons.

You see, this guy was told before anyone else what God had planned for His own touchdown visit to earth. This man was married and the couple shared the pain of being barren, without child. After years of hoping, in their advanced age they ceased to pray and expect a child. Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were known in the community for their personal devotion to God. Thus they were both well suited to be chosen for a once in a lifetime opportunity to trust Him at His word. On one trip to the temple in Jerusalem to perform his duty as the temple priest, Zechariah was invited to be the one who would enter the Holy Place to offer incense to God on behalf of the people. Zechariah was honored by the invitation and as he entered the Holy Place, much to his surprise and terror, he found himself face to face with an angel. The angel’s message was too much for Zechariah to take in and believe. He voiced his doubt that at his age he could not possibly father a child. As a result of his hesitation to believe, the angel shut down his ability to speak until after the miracle had become a reality. Like so many before him, Zechariah’s role in God’s great plan escaped any notoriety other than a hesitation to believe that all things are possible for those who trust, believe and obey.

We all benefit from this recorded truth in the first chapter of Luke’s gospel. We must say yes to the invite to trust God at His word. If Jesus is knocking on your door, open it to Him and ask your burning questions. He will gift you with the Holy Spirit who gives understanding and wisdom to all. He has the power to repair whatever is broken and restore whatever was lost with an abundant life. Such a new life filled with wonder because of His amazing, astounding, lavish grace. Be resolved in 2024 to seek His best, and embrace the new with increasing gladness. Whether you live in a tiny house, an apartment, a grand ranch, or a tent, we pray that His peace, comfort, provision, protection, and lasting joy establishes itself within your heart. Tis ever the season to respond to His call. Merry Christmas and a better new year to all who say YES, and welcome Jesus to come and take up residence in their empty hearts. Amen

Jesus is our gift giver, He gave us His all. Matthew 2:10-11 “When the wisemen saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding joy. On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” ❤️ Luke 2:6-11 “Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for ALL the people. Today in the town of David a SAVIOR has been born to you; HE is the MESSIAH, the Lord.”

Light a candle, open your heart, and accept God’s gracious invitation to accept Jesus as the Lord of your life. Linger in His unsurpassed radiance as He says, “Please stay as long as you need. My calendar is dedicated to you My friend.” What a privilege it is to “Be still and know” that we have an open invitation from God to join Him in His redemptive plan. He is ever in our midst, ready to feed us with a meal that satisfies our deepest need. Be astounded by His lavish love and gentle way. He reminds us to come frequently and that we are welcome with direct access at anytime. Regardless if are are out in the wilderness or at home, He begs “just come as you are!”