Will we ever see another moral awakening in America? The Christmas story in Luke chapter 2 is embedded with some surprising answers to that question.
The first revelation Christ wants to give us is hidden in this phrase: It was not what they expected, but it was what they needed.
The cast of characters who were involved in the first Christmas experienced inexpressible joy and jubilation. But first, they had to get over a major shock. The events of the birth of Christ were nothing like what they expected.
It was not what they expected, but it was what they needed.
Given the fact that this was the birth of the Messiah, they thought that it would be greeted by all of the Kings of the world, complete with towering gifts, pomp and festivities beyond comprehension.
The Jews also assumed the Messiah’s advent would be celebrated in Jerusalem at Temple—they never foresaw that it would take place in a decrepit stable in Bethlehem. Revival is just like that. It does not come the way you expect it, or happen where you expect it.
Revival will not come in the package that modern Christians delight in—nor will it be delivered to the address we expect. It will not come through what are considered ‘proper’ channels of Christian celebrity. There will be no sold-out concert, festooned with all the features of modern entertainment and technology.
It will not be a hot ticket. It will be a holy fire. It will not be what we expect. It will be what we need.
Revival will come to America in an unimaginable way. 1 Corinthians 2:9, As it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
It will not be a hot ticket. It will be a holy fire. It will not be what we expect. It will be what we need.
He does not do this just to jolt the high and mighty. He does it in order to fool the devil. Satan cannot stop what he cannot imagine. The evil one, knowing scripture, expected that Messiah was coming, but because of his vanity, he missed how Jesus would come.
Satan guarded all of the main roads. He kept surveillance on the usual suspects. But he did not realize that his greatest nightmare was a pregnant woman and a poor carpenter. He did not imagine that the One Who would crush his head would not appear as a mighty warrior, but as the most helpless entity in nature—a human baby.
Revival in a modern manger of no reputation, led by people of unrecognized talent, makes divine sense. It will not be what we expect, but it will be exactly what we need.
The great shock of the first Christmas created strange reactions. Those we might assume would welcome it, instead, opposed it. And those we would expect to reject it, became its greatest advocates. The same applies to the coming Awakening. You will be shocked when you see who will fight it, and who will accept it.
Zacharias the priest was the first person invited to the Christmas story. He was chosen to be the father of John the Baptist. The Bible describes Zacharias as “…righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6). But when the angel Gabriel appeared to him, he resisted his calling.
It will not be a hot ticket. It will be a holy fire.
Luke 1:18-20, And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”
Wow. The very man who should be advancing the Kingdom, finds himself muzzled.
Some of the loudest advocates for revival in the church right now—and some that have even written many books on revival—will likely resist it when it comes. Simply because it did not start with them.
A ministry must never so fall in love with their own methods, reputation and identity, that they would be threatened by revival. No one should ever assume that revival must come through their ministry or their denomination, lest they find themselves fighting against the very thing they claim to be fighting for.
On the other hand—many who we least expect to, will jump into the Awakening! The shepherds were rough and rugged men, not given to old wives’ tales. They were the last men we would expect to have emotional experiences. Yet, they were the very ones God chose to be the first evangelists of Christmas. And they embraced the call without hesitation or doubt.
Luke 2:15-18, “So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.”
Will Revival come to America? Christmas says, yes! But the fuse of Revival will only be lit by those who want it more than their dignity—more than recognition—more than comfort, safety, and even life itself.
Merry Christmas and happy new year. Thank you for this and all your other ones. God bless you.
Happy birthday to Jesus and Merry Christmas Mario and family.
Wow, such a wonderful and edifying word.
The Awesome and manifold wisdom of GOD…
Thank you for this message. God’s Blessings to you and your family.
Thank you! So true, we need revival, Americaneedd revival so does the world.
It doesn’t matter who God calls for revival, just so it comes. God Bless you.
Love this message. Give eyes see and hears to hear.
Today we celebrate His unveiling.
Now it’s time for ours!
“In my opinion whatever we may have to go through now is less than nothing compared with the magnificent future God has planned for us. The whole creation is on tiptoe to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own. The world of creation cannot as yet see reality, not because it chooses to be blind, but because in God’s purpose it has been so limited—yet it has been given hope. And the hope is that in the end the whole of created life will be rescued from the tyranny of change and decay, and have its share in that magnificent liberty which can only belong to the children of God! ” Romans 8:18 [Phillips]
All the world,
a sleeping babe.
A barefoot satan
intrudes to take.
With all the Church,
dark on the floor.
A billion LEGOS
(though probably more)
This blog entry was pitch perfect.
Im going to print it out and keep it in my Bible. Merry Christmas!
I’m unsure what “a billion legos” means. But I mentally substitute ” a billion souls”.
Amen
Thank you Mario for all you do. Many blessings for you and your ministry in 2023.
Thank you for the wonderful messages and your ministry. A most blessed Christmas to you and your family
Let Yahwehs revival begin
Praise God …this is what I call where the rubber meets the road! Let God be God !
Thank you Mario, for being a blessing for us,who stand with our beloved Jesus.I know that he is going to rescue our country again.How, I have no idea,but I believe that Trump will be our truly elected President again.We love you & yours.
Amen,
I so enjoy your obedience to the Lord. Thank you for ministering the truth in the boldness that you do. More people need to stop sugar-coating and speak God’s truth. This posting spoke to my heart; that God’s plans are always the best plans. God bless you and your family.
A moral awakening IS happening. It’s very small because the vast majority of the people have turned their back on God. Without Him, there is NO moral awakening for the unbeliever. Awaken to what?
Merry Christmas Mario,
After reading your Christmas message, a thought came to mind. Perhaps, the fuse of revival will be ignited by the migrants that are currently swarming across our southern border.
Those people are motivated and determined for a better life. As much as I’m appalled by it all, I’ve come to realize that they may add something to this country that we may have lost such as, humility, fortitude and courage. Since I live in NM and not that
far from the border. About a year ago, I met a group of migrants in an Albertsons parking lot playing loud music from a Puccini opera. Curiously, I went over and said “Hello” and chatted with them. The were lovely and were playing the music for donations to be able to get to San Antonio, Texas for their next step forward into the United States. I admired their determination, gave them a donation and wished them God Speed along with prayers that they will do well and inspire this nation with the many simple values that we seemingly have lost along the way.
I guess what I’m saying is your last sentence in today’s Christmas message.
“Will revival will come to America? Christmas says, yes! But the fuse of Revival will only be lit by those who want it more than their dignity—more than recognition—more than comfort, safety, and even life itself.”
Merry Christmas Mario, you never cease to inspire me.
Joyce Bidwell
Good word brother, it’s always been that way. It is still that way today…The leaders of the old move of God resist and reject the new…new and new wine vs old. Blessings!
Yes, the old wine skins always burst when the new wine is put into them and the wine is lost to those who follow them. New wine must be put into new wine skins according to Jesus…Who is the Truth. Be determined to be a new wine skin and not resist however God chooses to cause revival and reformation in our land.
AMEN!!!!!
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all ♥
You hit the nail on the head! Although I do not believe this was His actual birth date, I believe we should celebrate the birth of the most importance in our life!! Glory to GOD in the highest and peace on earth to men! Read First Samuel chapter 2 verses 6 through 10, and what do you see? I believe He soon coming, even at the door and so so agree with the punishment from the Father for the Nation’s sins! The greatest revival will be after the church is raptured and everyone that knows the Word will know It was true! HE is opening up my eyes to the Word like never before! I love Holy Spirit, He is my dearest friend. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Wow! This is it!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thank you! Mario! May we all humble ourselves in His presence and ask Him to ignite the fire of revival in our souls and spirits by the Holy Spirit that we may be the temples of God to dwell in so He can perform His plan and purpose in these last days! Merry Christmas to you and blessings to you and all of your extended family this Christmas time and into the New Year!
Joyce–Thank you for that thought about the immigrants…”what he meant for evil God meant for good.”
Mario–thank you for all you do to help spread the Gospel and frame the cultural events of today through the spiritual lens. Your Crusade this summer in Colo Springs blessed us beyond belief. And I believe gave us the foundation to endure and minister to people, the senseless tragedy that took place several weeks ago. We did not know this was coming but God knew and helped prepare us for it.
Your ministry is a blessing to us all. May God bless you and your family richly.
So appreciate your insights for this season and the revival that being birthed right now. Your ministry and wisdom are such a blessing to us. Thank-you and May God’s richest blessings manifest in your life in 2023.
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year! from fellow believers in Canada.
They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Amen 🙏
Thank you, Mario, family, and team.
God bless you all this Christmas season!
Like Joyce’s comment, I have wondered about those coming across the border.
I believe one day this crisis will become an Acts 2 manifestation to the glory of God where many thousands are saved and filled with the Holy Spirit and return to their homelands to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth!
Thanks for blowing the trumpet!
Thank You Mario for this message. May you have a Blessed Christmas and New Year.
Let God arise and His enemies be scattered!
thank you Mario for your endless efforts. I pray you hold a meeting near San Diego soon.
Ethyanne Andres
Thank you so much Mario! I not only need world wide revival, Heaven knows, we ALL need that desperately, and soon; I need a miracle for my beautiful granddaughter whose brain was damaged by a strep infection and after years and years of different treatments, it is clear that only GOD can restore her and make her whole.
Thank you so much for sharing with us all, so timely!!!
God bless you!!
Amen!! Thanks for continuing to “speak truth to power” in the Body of christ. We desperately need it. Praying for you and going to start supporting your ministry financially, starting right now!
” The barefoot satan breaks in to steal the world but ends up getting his feet cut up by all the legos ( hardened but humble members of the church) on the floor.”
The parent of any eight year old knows this pain EXQUISITELY.
Thank you for this message!