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“And I know that His commandment is everlasting life.” John 12:50 NKJV

In my mind, this is what Christmas is really all about…everlasting life. You see, this was a commandment from the Father.  This is something He spoke into time from eternity past.  For it was upon the mountains of Zion (the mountain of our God, and the dwelling place of His Church) that He “commanded the blessing – Life forevermore.” Psalm 133:3c NKJV

“Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14 NKJV.  This message from the Creator of the universe towards men on that first Christmas has been so often repeated it can slip off our tongue without realizing the depth of what He is saying; and the majesty of that first night is lost in the familiarity of it all.

In the Old Testament men are met with God’s wrath at every turn. But now, in this age, He offers PEACE.  He offers GOODWILL. The Word of God is eternal. In Hebrews, the author quotes Isaiah: “They (the heavens and earth) will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed.  But You are the same and Your years will not fail.” Hebrews 1:12 NKJV

The message given by the angels may seem passé.  It may seem like it is time to give it a rest; come up with something new.  But, this word is eternal. Like God, it does not grow old. Despite what our increasingly secular culture may want to say, this message will never go away. It is just as powerful as it was that Christmas night, when the angels spoke to the shepherds. God, The Creator, The Judge of the universe, The High and the lofty One Who inhabits eternity–He doesn’t change. He doesn’t grow old.   He is still speaking. The message is still being sung. Listen. Can you hear the angels sing… “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men!”

A few weeks ago our oldest child left his wife of six months for the Navy. She just recently received seven letters from him as he had been writing a letter every day. She on her part has written him faithfully every day as well. What do you think they have done with those letters? My thought is that they cherish, read and reread, and keep the words close to their heart.  Most likely, more than a few tears have been shed.  Now look at the words God sent to mankind on that Christmas night 2000 years ago. Cherish them. Read and reread them.  Keep them close to your heart.  Shed a few tears. They are written to you!

Be encouraged this Christmas day.  Hear what the Lord says to you from of old (Psalm 133) and from of new (John 12): Everlasting Life to you and yours.  “LIFE FOREVERMORE” – “EVERLASTING LIFE”!!! This is not just a blessing (look it up in both references) it’s a commandment.  Based upon this commandment, how could we not love Him and serve Him form the depths of who we are?

Live in THIS (the uncreated life of God) life, seek after THIS (the uncreated life of God) life, meditate on THIS (the uncreated life of God)  life, speak of THIS (the uncreated life of God)  life, be filled with THIS CHRISTmas life.

This Briefing was co-authored with my wife, Mary Ann.  And from our family to your family – from our heart to your heart: Merry Christmas.  We love you and we believe in you.  But more importantly, the Lord loves you and believes in you.  HE BELIEVES IN YOU!!  You are His little brother or sister; and He takes care of His siblings.

See you on the front lines.  Robert, Mary Ann, and the kids