I saw a funny meme on Facebook the day after Christmas. It said, “Christmas is 364 days away and people already got their decorations up. Unreal”. I have to admit, at first read I really laughed. The next morning at day 363 I thought of it differently. For a lot of people, we put up our nativities, bells, lights and bows; all while singing “Joy to the world”. Then comes the first of the year and we put everything away while muttering, “I’m glad that’s done.”
Here’s the catch, if you read the lyrics or know the history to the hymn “Joy to the World” it is not talking about Christ’s birth, but His Return! That’s right, we have so much to look forward to, and are called to have our hearts stay forever decorated and waiting with anticipation. Jesus, Yeshua, our salvation, left His throne willingly to come humbly as the fully divine, fully human baby. He came as the grace, mercy and power of God in human form to be the ultimate sacrificial lamb. And in the words of his cousin John, his predecessor, “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”
There were no bells, or bows, or Christmas Carols that first night. Just an excited, nervous couple holding a newborn baby, Emmanuel. God was now dwelling with us. The Word had now become flesh. Everything was new, and about to change. The old was gone and new life was ready to blossom and flourish. From the dead stump came forth a shoot springing up new life from King David, a branch that would grow great and mighty becoming the mighty vine that would produce more branches. Jesus said, “I am the vine you are the branches.” The branches that are connected to him will grow and flourish and have life abundantly.
Our year 2026 is the Hebrew year 5786 which holds a big significance and prophetic meaning. Without boring you with the numbers to words long, individual meanings, in a nutshell this year stands for connection, unity, awakening and revival. Uniting Jew and Gentile. In essence this year is seen as a pivotal year for divine linkage, bringing spiritual truths into physical reality, empowering believers’ words, and fostering unity and revival. The value of the 6 is the letter vav in the Hebrew alphabet. It represents connection, divine communication, joining heaven and earth, and establishing foundations.
Wow. And the word became flesh and dwelled among us. With love, grace, and mercy the bridegroom is returning to receive his bride (the church). We are called to have our lamps lit and hearts decorated in the spirit of his return. Yet while we are waiting let us focus on unifying, not dividing, on sharing truth in a world full of lies. And listening for God’s voice, the divine truths that he has for us to share that will fuel the revival.
Let heaven and nature sing…. He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove. The glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love.
And that’s my 2 cents.
Shalom,
Pastor Penny
