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“And the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will bind a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.'” –Luke 2:10-12

The Son of God born to the son of man, so the sons of man could be sons of God. Incredible, right!?! God chooses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. (1 Corinthians 1:27)

Take the Pharisees for example. They were the wise religious leaders of the time – professed worshippers of the God of Abraham. Yet, they did not recognize Jesus of Nazareth as Christ the Messiah. They were looking for a king born in a palace, not a carpenter born in a manger. They were looking for riches, power, and prestige, not humility and servanthood.

The image of the Messiah the Pharisees had created in their own imaginations looked nothing like Jesus Christ, the true Messiah. So they rejected Him. And, in doing so, led many astray. 

And Jesus told them in John 8:19, “You know neither Me nor My Father, if you knew Me, you would know My Father also.” And again in verse 42 He reiterates, “If God were your Father, you would love Me; for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not come on My own initiative, but He sent Me.” That’s a harsh word, but Jesus doesn’t tell you always what you want to hear. He tells you what you need to hear.

These are the last days and just like the Pharisees, many will fall into deception. They will seek messages that tickle their ears. Remember, Satan masquerades as an angel of light. The fruit Satan used to tempt Eve appeared good for food, delightful to the eyes, and desirable.  And Satan twisted the truth God had spoken just enough so that Eve believed it. It was a deceptive trap and Eve fell.

There’s redemption, but there’s also prevention! You must get the Word of God into your spirit so, through the Holy Spirit, you can discern truth from deception. The Word of God will guard you from deception and renounce the lies the enemy has spoken over you, so that you can receive the fulness of Jesus Christ! I pray you have a hunger for the Word like never before! 

This Christmas season and every season, may you recognize Jesus – even when He’s in the stable and not the palace. May you come to truly know Him, not just of Him or about Him. And may you walk in the abundant life he destined for you!

***REFLECTIONS***

•  What preconceived ideas do you have of Jesus? Are you, like the Pharisees, looking for Jesus to appear, work, or move in a certain way? When we put Jesus in a box we are limiting Jesus from operating freely in our lives. Furthermore, Jesus is moving in new ways like never before and we must live with our spiritual eyes wide open so we don’t miss Him! 
• Are you praying, but also handing Him solutions on how He should answer your prayer? When we pray, we need to release our burdens to Him and trust Him in answering. His ways are not our ways. Jesus always has the perfect way with perfect timing!
• How much time are you spending in God’s Word? God’s word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. It shows us the way to walk in. The word of God is also like a mirror to our soul, revealing the true nature of man. It leads us to repentance, gives us wisdom, and is the truths of God. When we abide in the Word we will not be deceived. 
• Have you eaten the fruit of Satan thinking it was good, but later realizing you were deceived? There is redemption. Repent, turn from wickedness, and call upon the name of the Lord. Accept Him as your Savior. Receive the ultimate gift, salvation. There is therefore, now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1).