12 Days of Healthy ChristmasSample

“Restpration”

Some years are harder than others. Some eras are harsher than we ever imagined. It is with this in mind that we approach the above passage. All of Israel was looking to the future; the coming of the Messiah. His purpose in coming was to redeem God’s people.

As Christ’s followers, we believe that they were looking for the coming of Jesus and that He was the fulfillment of the promised Messiah. As I have stated in previous devotions, during the Christmas season we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus, but we also look forward to His return.

I want us to take an even deeper look at this passage from the point of view of the watchmen. The watchmen sit perched on the ruined walls of Jerusalem and off in the distance they see the “messenger who brings good news.” They break into shouts and singing because they see the Lord returning.

What is the good news that the messenger brings? Jesus himself told us what the good news was: that the captives would be released, the blind would see, oppressed set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor had come. In Luke 4, He quotes from Isaiah.

Has this been a hard year for you? You may feel like your life is like Jerusalem, lying in ruins, or maybe in simple disrepair. I have news for you…we can look out from the walls of a ruined life and see the messenger who brings good news. Your expectations this Christmas should be the expectation of restoration, reconciliation, and victory.

Recognize this: The restoration of life is hard work and takes time, but our God offers us the strength to get though it. He promises to walk with us every step of the way. Your health journey does not occur overnight, but it can occur and will happen one step at a time.

Take a step towards a healthy new year by eating in moderation this Christmas season.

Healthy Tip: Foods that restore life = more fresh fruit & vegetables.