What is the best thing I ever heard about Christmas, you ask? How can anyone adequately answer that question? The best music ever written was written for Christmas. The finest art ever created pays homage to that holy night.
It has moved writers…or rather, it has seized them. Billions of words have been dedicated to it. When reason screams, “Don’t write anymore!” Christmas moves the foolhardy to try again and find some fresh meaning contained in the most often told story in history.
The power of Christmas turns children into righteous grownups. Then it turns righteous grownups back into children.
A testament to its glory is the cosmic grudge Satan bears against Christmas. He never leaves it alone. He must commercialize it. And, in one instance he grew so desperate to harm it that he used some misguided ministers to ban it in England, because they thought Christmas was carnal! The London Times didn’t mention Christmas for 10 years!
Then in 1843, Charles Dickens wrote the story of Scrooge, and Christmas was back. Here, is a passage from A Christmas Carol. It is one of the best descriptions of Christmas ever penned:
“But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round — apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that—as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.”
However, no musician, no orator, and no artist, no writer (including Dickens), can touch the best thing I ever heard about Christmas.
The reason is that the words were forged in heaven by God Himself. It was a note sent on ahead to explain what He meant by sending His Son to earth.
He tenderly crafted what should be said. Then God did what every good writer must do—He made it concise. He compressed an eternity of meaning into short, simple phrases.
Then he chose messengers whom He solemnly charged to speak these matchless words. Relive with me that night when the best words ever spoken about Christmas were given to man.
Luke 2:8, “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: you will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!””
Christmas says, “Do not be afraid of the supernatural!” The angels knew humans are terrified when they appear. Note that they often preface their message with, “Fear not!” God wants us to know that it is a normal part of the life of the righteous to see signs and wonders. Don’t be afraid of needing miracles. Don’t be startled by the way God answers your prayers.
Don’t let the package fool you. Don’t let the fierceness of evil discourage you. The mission will not be thwarted.
Not only is the supernatural normal—it is good news! When the Holy Spirit begins to move in a sedate church, the pastor should recognize that it is not an emotional thing, or a heretical thing, but a glorious thing! It is a heavenly takeover that will impel the work of God forward. Miracles are not a menace. They are the perfect solution.
“This will be to all people.” Christmas will not stop until it has achieved its goal. Nothing can stop the conquering march of the Son of God. Don’t let the package fool you. Don’t let the fierceness of evil discourage you. The mission will not be thwarted. The kingdom of this world will become the Kingdom of our God and of His Christ. And He shall reign forever and ever!
“Christmas has never been convenient. It never asks for an appointment. It barges in and pulls you into the dance. It grabs you by the soul and sets it to singing.”
This Holy Child is the perfect gift from God to you. God has given you His best. He has come because of your need. Here is the absolute answer to mankind’s curse. And this cure has no side effects! This solution does not miss the mark. It is for you, and it is from Someone Who knows everything about you.
Break out in Joy! Use joy as a weapon. Use joy for renewed strength. Let joy do its job. Don’t restrain joy because of the evil around you. Release joy because of the evil around you!
Christmas has never been convenient. It never asks for an appointment. It barges in and pulls you into the dance. It grabs you by the soul and sets it to singing. It is not that you can’t fight Christmas…it’s that you shouldn’t! And that is the best thing I ever heard about Christmas. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you mario..you make our day with your insightful insights.. Sent from my MetroPCS 4G LTE Android device
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We enjoy your ministry and thank Godfor your stand for truth. Merry Christmas!
Sent from my iPhone
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TY for all you do Mario…
Thank you for the encouraging words on Christmas. I needed to read and hear them, as this has been tough week. God bless and continue to empower you with His Dpirit!
Thank you!
On Tue, Dec 24, 2019, 12:26 PM Mario Murillo Ministries wrote:
> mariomurilloministries posted: “What is the best thing I ever heard about > Christmas, you ask? How can anyone adequately answer that question? The > best music ever written was written for Christmas. The finest art ever > created pays homage to that holy night. It has moved writers…or ” >
I love that you wear the full armor of the Lord so we’ll and bring truth in everything you do and say!
God Bless you and your family!
Merry Christmas!
From a Volunteer and Admirer!
David Furgiuele
Mario that was absolutely beautiful. Inspired by the spirit of God. May you and yours on this very special time enjoy the fruitfulness of the most high God
Merry Christmas
I think you should put your words to a song
Don’t let the package fool you. Don’t let the fierceness of evil discourage you. The mission will not be thwarted.
God has given you His best
The kingdom of this world will become the Kingdom of our God and of His Christ. And He shall reign forever and ever!
joy is our weapon let it pull you into the dance
: )
K
Oh that was BEAUTIFUL Bro. Mario! I love CHRISTmas and I especially love the song; “Oh Holy Night” and this year more than ever that little song that the children sing now; “Happy Birthday Jesus!” oh yes; HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS; WE LOVE YOU AND APPRECIATE YOU!!!!
Thanks for sharing and a MOST BLESSED AND HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS AND EVERYONE ON HERE; what a year!!!
Merry Christmas Mario and Mechelle! May God bless you richly and abundantly in the new year.
Merry Christmas to the Murillo Family…love you and have to say that picture of you two is Awesome!
How beautifully written, Pastor Mario. That is why satan continues to attack Christmas, every year. He is the theft of joy, and Christmas brings us joy, and cannot be stopped. Merry Christmas to you & your family, and to all here.
Merry Christmas Pastor Mario and Family! Thanks for your Insights throughout the years. BLESSINGS!!
TY Mario for all you do. Wish I’d taken a detour to Reno last year while in California. Not sure I want to go that way again though. Keep up the great works
Merry Christmas Mario
May You and All Your Followers Have A Christmas To Believe In Filled With Many Many Beautiful Heartfelt Memories With Those You Spent Your Christmas Day With
https://youtu.be/f_AO364zCHw
Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas
Live while you can, cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it
Don’t miss it, the heart of Christmas
Let’s make it feel the way it used to
Let’s find that wonder of a child
You can see the magic all around you
https://youtu.be/wbOUNg8Q3-A
Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother’s shawl
Just a child
Is this who we’ve waited for?
‘Cause how many kings stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart?
How many Fathers gave up their Sons for me?
https://youtu.be/zF952rzG3Yk
““This will be to all people.” Christmas will not stop until it has achieved its goal. Nothing can stop the conquering march of the Son of God. Don’t let the package fool you. Don’t let the fierceness of evil discourage you. The mission will not be thwarted. The kingdom of this world will become the Kingdom of our God and of His Christ. And He shall reign forever and ever!”
That was so beautifully put, Pastor Mario. Merry Christmas to you & your family.