Dec. 3, 2019

Luke 2:12...And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes,

We have completed the day of Thanksgiving celebrated in our country with family friends and tables full of food. But there was much sorrow for Thanksgiving.  Now we prepare ourselves for the single most important even in human history. The birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

His birth was foretold hundreds of years before His arrival in Isaiah 9:6...For unto to us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 

How odd it is that a child with this kind of authority should be born in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes. The dictionary describes swaddling clothes as narrow bands of cloth formerly wrapped around a newborn child to restrain its movements and quieten it. One might think with this child, all kinds of things would be happening to let the world know about him.

Yes, the Bible tells of an event that has yet to be equaled when God Himself sent an angel and what the Bible calls a multitude of heavenly host praising God but it was witnessed by shepherds abiding in the fields. During this time, shepherds were the lowliest of society, keeping smelly sheep. They then find the baby lying in a manger. None of this should be for one whose mission is so important...but it was. Not for the highest of society but for the least of society. Those with no hope, those society has no place for and those who have that spirit of heaviness.

What the Holy Spirit has given me to share with you for this special season is "The Garment of Praise". Specifically from Isaiah 61 which tells of Jesus mission he was to achieve.  Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

Many will feel a sorrow that unless you have lost a loved one, have no one to be with during this season or without what they feel they need, we really can't understand their burden. But it is real and they need to be reminded Jesus was born just for them, to bring hope and promise into their lives and to be the Saviour for not only those who hearts are heavy but for all of us.

The swaddling clothes Jesus was wrapped in signify the lowliness or commonness of his birth but the "Garment of Praise" shows praise as more than a piece of clothing. It quite literally teaches us to wrap or cover ourselves in this "Garment". This "Garment of Praise" is to have no openings through which hostile elements can penetrate. This "Garment of Praise" repels and replaces the heavy spirit. 

This special message of instruction and hope is for those oppressed by fear or doubt. "Put on" this garment. A warm coat from our closet only resists the cold wind when it is put on. When distressed, be dressed...with Praise.

When you feel tears of loneliness coming, put on The Garment of Praise, When sorrowful in spirit because loved ones have passed away put on The Garment of Praise. When you don't have the money for Christmas gifts, put on The Garment of Praise because it's not about gifts. Jesus is the perfect gift and your witness of how He has been with you and brought you through your lowest times won't cost a dime but could help someone going though to get their Blessing. 

Praise the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes because is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. One day He will return to claim those who have accepted Him as their Lord and Saviour. Our eternal resting place will be with Him in Heaven with Our Heavenly Father giving Him our Praises forever.     

God Bless You and Thank You Lord for this Word.