1 John 3:8 ‘..For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

DAILY READING; • Acts 9:1-25; Joshua 3:1-5:1; Job 22

If you spend Christmas in Japan, you might be a little surprised or even confused. Though only about 1 percent of the Japanese population are Christians, Christmas is celebrated in a very big way. However the celebration is not about the birth of Christ, rather it is only a cosmetic and commercial event with plethora of Christmas markets and stunning illuminations dotting every corner.
The Japanese follow the western Christmas traditions of exchanging gifts, singing yuletide songs, decorating trees, special seasonal treats etc. However, the general Japanese populace do not do is honor Christ at Christmas.
This is because Japan is nearly 99% Shinto and Buddhist. However, they make a big fuss over St Nick, Rudolph, Frosty and santa. Their santa is sometimes dressed like a Samurai. A missionary to Japan was even once asked if Christmas was Santa’s birthday.

Their Christmas Eve is often celebrated more than Christmas Day. The Japanese Christmas Eve resembles Valentine’s Day celebrations in the UK and the USA. On that day, couples spend time together, exchange presents, go for walks to look at the Christmas lights and have a romantic dinner.
Indeed the Japanese are greatly attracted to the glitter and sparkle of Christmas, and have adopted nearly every of it’s tradition except the spiritual significance of the season.

Just like the Japanese, many people today are only attracted to the glitter of Christmas. They revel in the traditions and celebrations of the season, but never grasp the spiritual significance. Certainly, Jesus did not come to the earth to establish the commercial chaos that the world today calls Christmas. He came to execute God’s well laid out plan to destroy the devil and set men free.
Jesus came to fulfill the promise that God made in Genesis 3:15, which was that the Seed of the woman, would crush the head of the serpent.
Indeed the arrival of Jesus at the manger in Bethlehem marked the beginning of the destruction of every works of darkness.

1 John 3:8 says ‘..For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Jesus came to bring an end to the enemy’s threefold agenda of killing, stealing and destroying.
Therefore the celebration of Christmas is the celebration of the Child that was born to save the world and set it free from bondage. We rejoice that God’s Son has come to free the captives and lift the burdens of men. His coming to earth means that God has come to tabernacle with man.

Mathew 1:23 says “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel” (which being interpreted is, “God with us”).

Indeed Jesus is our Emmanuel. He is our Jehovah Shammah – the Lord Who is there. He is our ever present help in every time of need. In the darkest of nights, in the toughest of trials, Jesus is always there. Those times it feels as if you are alone and no one understands, He is your Emmanuel, God with you. In fiery trials, He will be for you the fourth man in the fire.
When there seems to be no way, He says to you ‘I am the way’. He is there to catch your tears and chase away your fears.
He is the friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Jesus has come to be your burden bearer. He has come to fight your battles. In situations that seem too tough, He tells you ‘you do not need to fight in this battle, stand ye still and see the salvation of the Lord’
Therefore let this season remind you that you are never alone.
While the world may focus only on the glitter of Christmas, let your focus be on the fact that God is ever with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Therefore, purpose in your heart to draw closer to God through study of His Word, prayer and fellowship with the Spirit. Indeed as you draw close to God, He will draw close to you. Certainly His Presence around you will make all the difference in your life.

PRAYER; Father, I thank You because You are always there for me. Please grant me the grace to do all I need to do spiritually to draw closer to You because I know Your Presence is my guarantee of constant victory in Jesus Name.
QUOTE
When God places His hand upon a man in life nothing can come against him, this is because the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. WORDBITE 222