Don't Miss Christmas! ...Continued from page 2

For all this sensational notoriety, what is Matthew's final comment on Herod's life? "But...Herod died...." The majestic king who tried to kill God's anointed died like every other man-in like a lion, out like a lamb!

But Jesus lived. Magnificent evil, full of sound and fury, could not touch this baby (Rev. 12:4, 5). Jesus lived out His life and died exactly when God had determined for Him to atone for sin. He rose from the dead and ascended to sit at the right hand of God, where He continuously makes intercession for us-for you, Beloved-by name. Soon He will rise from His Father's throne, mount His glorious white steed, and charge to earth to reign not only as King of the Jews, but also as King of kings and Lord of lords!

After His reign of a thousand years, Death and Hades will give up their dead. The books will be opened, and the small and great (including Herod), whose names are not written in the book of life, will be consigned to the lake of fire for all eternity.

In light of these things, Beloved, don't just prepare to celebrate Christ's first appearance on earth in the flesh on December 25. Let's prepare daily for His return. Let's prostrate ourselves before Him in total submission, day in and day out, not just at Christmas. Let's give Him the gift of our complete adoration, laying every treasure we possess at His feet.

Beloved, this could be the most significant act of worship in your life. And if you do these things as a habit, you will experience spiritual renewal, unshakable joy, and multiplied peace, which God gives to those who willingly honor Him as He should be honored-as

God with us...Immanuel...our hope of glory!"

Excerpted from: Jesus, God's Gift of Hope
Copyright © 2003 by Kay Arthur
Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene OR
Used by Permission
www.harvesthousepublishers.com