December 2020 – January 2021

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:11, 13

There’s something about this time of the year that stirs something in nearly everyone’s heart. The cynic becomes more open hearted; the giver becomes more generous; the jovial spirited individual becomes, well, more jovial. The world seems to shine just a bit brighter during this season called Christmas.

We always hear about Jesus in the manger, but what about Jesus the Messiah? What about Him? Indeed Jesus’ holy birth and his Second Coming are biblical events that speak convincingly loud of who this Christ truly is. Christmas is the traditional celebration of a baby born in a manger (Luke 2:1-20)…God incarnate (John 1:1, 14). One Day we shall all be amazed at His Second Coming—when faith shall become sight (Timothy 4:7-8; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10)!

This story of Jesus’ birth is a story that resonates with astounding mystery, joy, visions of angelic beings, praise, and the birth of a babe in a manger. This baby was and is the Son of the Living God, Jehovah himself. The Christmas story brings great meaning to a world in need of a Savior. Even more significant is in knowing this child born was Christ Jesus, God in the flesh. The story is simple, yet miraculous. It cries out to the weary traveler and beckons a fresh perspective for the New Year that will soon be upon your doorstep. It’s a season to exert your faith.

This faith can transport us to greater heights in a culture that is so desperate for truth and can only be found in a Savior who is also God incarnate. My goal is not to embark in telling this miraculous story, although you can read about it here, Immanuel – Prophecy Fulfilled! My purpose is to impart to you joy from above that is far greater than the world’s dismal and implausible belief in atheism; in other words, a world without God.

This year has been a difficult year. But we need to get our minds above and beyond that and see that Jesus is the answer, he is our hope in the middle of our hardships. So often, we find our mind being tweaked and twisted, and our heart turning a shade of grey with cynicism and discouragement as we trudge onward in life praying for the “good Lord” to bring us relief and protection. Can you relate?

It’s so easy to feel exhausted and full of worry and concern for innumerable reasons, but there comes a ray of hope that reflects down into our soul. A heavenly perspective. It’s a reminder of the heavenly vision that many saw over 2000 years ago: Shepherds in the field hearing the chorus of angels; Magi from afar; Joseph and Mary seeing the appearing of God’s mighty messenger angel from heaven declaring a King is to be born. And born he was as a babe in a manger who came that we might have life and that more abundantly. It’s remarkable to think that a great host of heavenly angels who sang in mighty unison praising the Son of God was orchestrated in the presence of mankind…holy and with majestic calm (Luke 2:13-15).

The popular Christmas song, “Oh Holy Night”, is one of my favorites as it depicts the miraculous scene full of wonder, humility, and hope:

Oh Holy Night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error, pining
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn’
Fall on your knees, oh, hear the Angels’ voices
Oh, night divine, oh, night when Christ was born
Oh, night divine, oh, night, oh night divine

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices . . .

Over the years my life’s outlook has changed immensely. Here are three, “Fresh Perspectives for 2021” that will add to your daily living, enhance your life’s journey, and give you a heavenly outlook.

Three Fresh Perspectives:

1. Refreshment from the scurry of life.

My words often as I go to sleep are, “Lord, wake me early in the morning to get me up to meet you.” It never fails that when I petition such a request His Holy Spirit opens my eyes before the sun comes up and I amimmediately filled with inspiration.

I am blessed as I rise to meet the Son who brings me a new day of light. Entering into prayer and reading the Word is most satisfying. You will find joy and direction needed for each day by seeking the Lord’s presence first. David writes in Psalm 5, “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

Before my feet hit the floor, my voice often will say, “Lord, what would you have me do this day for you?” Suddenly, with these words spoken, my entire day, at that moment, belongs not to me, but to the Lord. I’m blessed with encouragement that allows me to see each human encounter, every circumstance presented as coming from the Lord. Rather than being anxious of a new, burdensome day, I come to find a supernatural zeal. My perspective becomes God centered, not ego centered; calm not radical; purposeful not random. And most of all, my day becomes mission oriented for God (1 Samuel 3:10)!

2. Life is a great journey.

From the early days of my salvation I have carried with me the joy of growing older. Over the years I’ve often said to my lovely wife, “I look forward to growing old with you.” How marvelous to not fear one’s aging, or the prospect of leaving this gracious life. Instead with each new day given I yearn to enter eternal life! I came across a quote from Betty Friedan that read, “Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” I couldn’t agree more as I approach 70 years of age next year. Another year walking with the Lordbrings great exuberance into my soul.

If there was nothing more than this life, how sad and empty this journey would be. But when we live a faith-filled life and experience the Holy Spirit actively at work we can expect this Jesus who was more than a historical figure to become our Living Savior who guides and leads us and makes this life worth living. To those pondering the meaning and depth of this bleak life, He is the answer you seek.

3. Heavenly Perspective

My friends, don’t ignore this last perspective. Each one of these three perspectives builds on the other. One Day there shall be a glorious banquet feast given in His honor, yet Jesus describes himself as the one serving and waiting upon the children of God who were waiting for Him (Revelation 19:6-10; Luke 12:35-40).

We need to read such passages as “soon to come” events—yes, I said, “soon to come.” The psalmist reminds us, “For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by…” (Psalm 90:4; 2 Peter 3:8). When that day comes it will be beyond your wildest expectations. His return will come like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2) and unannounced (2 Peter 3:10).

Ponder this glorious day often as we enter the Christmas season. In 2021, turn over in your mind these truths (Moving Heaven Part 1; Moving Heaven Part 2; Moving Heaven Part 3) and see how your innermost being will begin to come alive. God’s Holy Spirit will minister to you in a way that will create in you a clean heart and will renew within you a steadfast spirit (Psalm 51:10). To gain a heavenly perspective from Christ is like finding a treasure chest filled with riches and new life!

A.W. Tozer spoke of a heavenly perspective in saying, “The man who has met God is not looking for something—he has found it. He is not searching for light—upon him the Light has already shined! He may hear the tin whistle starting every new parade, but he will be cautious. He is waiting for a trumpet note that will call him away from the hurly-burly and set in motion a series of events that will result at last in a new heaven and a new earth. He can afford to wait!” (A. W, Tozer, The Attributes of God).

Faith is that ingredient that opens blind eyes; transforms a heart of rock to clay; connects the impossible to the possible; brings life out of death; brings joy out of depression; and can turn one’s perspective from darkness to light instantly. Faith is that ingredient that brings grace to the soul and cleanses one’s heart; faith is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:3).

Yes, get faith and you shall see.  It’s not about trying God—it’s about believing He exists (Hebrews 11:1, 6).

Merry Christmas and to a Happy New 2021 Perspective!