The Christmas story parallels what is going on now on the earth in many ways. We are preparing for a mighty move of God on earth. The birth of Jesus changed everything. So let's look at the ways it parallels our time:
1. Many people/characters were involved in this story—from the youngest to the oldest. THEN: There were young people (Mary & Joseph), old people (Elizabeth, Zechariah) shepherds, even a host of angels and Wisemen (pagan kings who recognize the star). NOW: In this outpouring, it will be all hands on deck! From the youngest to the oldest, everyone will be involved. Of course, there will be lots of angels. (More on the kings and star later on). 2. THEN: There was darkness on the earth before the birth of Jesus. I think that time was about 400 years. NOW: This has been a very dark time in our history. We have never imagined the sin that is happening now. It is a very dark time. 3. THEN: Children were being killed then. Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. NOW: The enemy is still trying to stop the destinies of many unborn and young people. But in this coming outpouring, he will not succeed! 4. THEN: There were many, many prophecies about the birth of Jesus that was to come. NOW: And so there have been many prophecies about this coming outpouring. 5. THEN: The star shone; it was so bright that everyone saw it. That star drew people to Jesus! NOW: And we are the light of the world—and the light in us will draw many unbelievers to Jesus! Isaiah 60:1-2. Even kings came from afar—I believe we will see that happening again—(pagan) people in leadership coming to Jesus. 6. THEN: The promise was the birth of a child, Jesus. NOW: And today we have been "pregnant" with a coming birth too— we (the body of Christ) have been in travail with a baby— a great awakening! We have been crying out for an awakening for many years. And soon the birth of this baby is coming! 7. THEN: There was a prominent theme at the time of Jesus's birth: the promise of a Savior. He was going to be the savior of all mankind. That promise came to pass, and Jesus was born. NOW: We also have been given many promises—promises for relationships to be restored, for healing in our bodies, for prodigals to come home, etc. And in this awakening, we will see those promises come to pass! 8. THEN: Christmas time is a time of "peace on earth, goodwill to men". The angel proclaimed peace on earth in that day. NOW: In this day, although there is chaos and turmoil going on on the earth, those in the kingdom are experiencing PEACE. We have peace in our hearts. We walk in that peace. We carry it to our friends and neighbors. We are peacemakers. And I believe we will draw many to the Lord through that peace. We are not shaken by what the enemy brings— we remain in God's peace. In this season we are reminded of all of the amazing things that happened at the time of the birth of Jesus. It was a glorious time! And many believe (myself included) that we are getting ready for a great outpouring of God's Spirit on earth. It is going to be amazing. May we make ourselves ready for what is to come. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed and Prosperous 2022!
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AuthorJackie and her husband Bob have been blessed to raise four sons, all Eagle Scouts. Jackie loves the study of dreams, visions and prophetic language. Archives
February 2023
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