Saturday, December 23

O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL

When the telephone rings, do you answer the call to hear who is on the other end?  Or do you walk away, allowing the phone to ring with unconcern of the caller trying to contact you?  When the doorbell resonates through your home, do you run throwing the door open wide with greetings of welcome bursting forth from your lips?  Or do you stand behind the door, quaking in your shoes, keeping the door closed, in fear of the unknown visitor?

It’s all about receiving.  We would think it absurd not answering the phone or door.  Yet, we close our eyes, ears, and heart to the call of God.  We go about our lives in the way we prefer, rejecting God’s messengers, neglecting to read His Holy Word, and closing our hearts to the very voice of God.

A young virgin named Mary heard the call, and, in humbleness, she yielded her life and brought forth Jesus, the Son of the Highest, Savior, King of Kings and Lord of lords!  John the Baptist received the Lord’s call preaching repentance, bearing witness: “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)  This is the call!  Come to the cross, repent of your sin, be washed in His blood, walk in His way, and be filled and baptized in Holy Ghost and Fire!  Glorify His Holy Name with your surrendered life.  Come daily to the banquet table, and eat and drink of Jesus, the Holy One!  Come to where the true word is preached.  Come to the word and be changed.  Come to prayer in communion and fellowship with Almighty God.  Come to the body of believers, who know intimately the Beloved One who can witness and point to the Lamb that was slain for sinners to be born anew!  Anew!  Alleluia!  The old life gone, the new life submitted to Christ.

He came as a babe.  He lived as a man.  He knows all things.  He gave His life for you!  For me!  Praise Him!  Answer His call!  Today!  How?  Fall on your knees, and call upon His Name!  He hears!  He answers!  He is God Almighty!  He loves you!   He longs for you!  Today is the day of salvation!  Today He can save you from your own prideful self!  How wonderful!   How glorious!  You don’t have to ignore the call!  Read the book of John.  The call is:  “Come and See”, “Repent”, “Receive”, “Believe”, “Abide”, “Love”, “Worship”!  Open the door of your heart, and receive the Magnificent One coming in with all His Glory!  Be filled with His love and His faithfulness!  Come, singing of His Excellency, His Majesty!  Receive the gift of salvation with this song in your heart!

        “O, Come, all ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant”

        “O, Come let us Adore Him, Christ the Lord!” 

~ Judy Hollobaugh