Jesus is the reason for the season

First of all, I just wanted to wish everyone out there reading this a very Merry Christmas! As we unwrap gifts, eat good food, snack on delicious treats, and enjoy family and friends let’s be mindful of the story behind this very special holiday. Let’s consider Luke chapter 2 for today’s scripture text.

9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.

15. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

Luke 2:9-15, KJV

So again, Merry Christmas…and Happy New Year. I leave you with this ageless classic carol. Remember, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward all.

I’m not tired yet…are you?

I think one of the things I enjoy most in things that pertain to the spiritual would undoubtedly be Black gospel choir music. I happened upon this video clip of the Mississippi Mass Choir and I’ve probably listened to it 50 times! Turn your volume up a little bit, clap your hands, and follow along.

Continue reading “I’m not tired yet…are you?”

The anointing breaks the yoke

Isaiah 10:27 says, “And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.”

We serve a God who specializes in removing the burdens that weigh down our spirits and our souls. God is in the business of releasing us from the physical and spiritual bondages that keep us from reaching our full potential. God doesn’t want to see anyone in chains or enslaved to sin and suffering. It is by the moving of the Spirit that God can set people free. It is by the anointing oil of the Holy Ghost that Almighty God can set you free. Whether it’s drug addiction, prostitution, or some sort of medical malady God can break the yoke and liberate you completely.

While no one has a lock or monopoly on the moving of the Spirit let’s never forget that we all have access to the anointing of the Spirit. No matter your race, color, or creed we all can come boldly to the throne of grace to ask (and receive) the healing or deliverance we need. For those of us who feel a special and distinctive call to ministry there is a special blessing that comes with that responsibility and vocation. It’s important to keep that in mind and be conscious of that anointing both in your public duties and private devotions.