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The Christmas Light that Honours Despised People
“In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and…Naphtali, but in the future He will honor Galilee…” (Isaiah 9:1)
2 brothers who were convicted of stealing sheep were branded on the forehead with the letters ST, for ‘sheep thief’. One brother, unable to bear the stigma, eventually took his own life. The other, (with God’s help I believe), rebuilt a solid reputation for integrity and won back the respect of people. Many years later, a stranger asked a person from the same town what the letters ST stood for. He replied, “It happened a long while ago. I’ve forgotten the particulars but I think it stands for Saint”!! (Condensed from a Men’s Devotional)
Isaiah 9 refers to the people of Galilee as a 'humbled' people (Isaiah 9:1). We could even say that they were a despised people. Wasn't the question asked, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46). To this despised place, Jesus brought such honor (Isaiah 9:1) that Isaiah speaks of the area as being filled with Light (Isaiah 9:2). He also talks about increased joy and rejoicing (Isaiah 9:3). It's amazing what the Lord accomplished, even though He was born in a lowly manger and did most of His ministry in a despised backyard! Today, the whole world knows about Galilee and Nazareth.
Friend, have you been through some humiliation? Do you feel you are despised? Are you carrying a stigma because of some failure? Have you lost your honor in some way? Maybe you have made some poor decisions. No matter how despised you may be, Jesus, the Light of the world, can bring honor back into your life. Can you see yourself released from your shame during Christmas this year? Remember the sheep thief and the saint!
PRAYER – Lord, help me to rise up from all shame and dishonour through your strength.
THOUGHT - “Our past memories should never be greater than our future dreams.”
The Devotionals have been compiled by Palitha Jayasooriya who is an Executive/Preaching Pastor of the Peoples Church in Sri Lanka.
They are taken off a 14 Day Devotional titled 'Christmas Reflections'. The book is available for purchase at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0784D65DX
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About this Plan
Christmas can be a difficult time for many people. Looking back over the year, they may see many dreams not fulfilled and many questions unanswered. Others face stress, loneliness and financial struggles. They can't seem to identify with the celebratory Christmas spirit around them that somehow seems to have eluded them. Their cry, echoed through the words of Country legend Merle Haggard may be, 'If we make it through December, everything is gonna be alright I know'. Over the next 6 days, these Christmas Reflections will inspire you to know that God waits to fulfill your dreams and answer your questions
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We would like to thank Pastor Palitha Jayasooriya and the Peoples Church in Sri Lanka for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://www.peopleschurch.lk/
