Inspiring Reflections For The Christmas SeasonSample
Christmas : A Season for Dreams – A Dream of Guidance
When Lewis Redner was asked to compose a melody for 'O Little Town of Bethlehem', for a church program, no inspiration came to him. However, on the night before the event, he had what seemed like a dream. He mentioned, 'I was roused out of my sleep, late in the night, by an angelic strain whispering in my ear.’ Lewis Redner awoke immediately and wrote down the melody line he had heard in his dream and the rest is history! He called it 'a gift from heaven'.
Everyone needs guidance, not only during the Christmas season, but also to face the New Year. We need guidance as individuals and as families. Let's remember that guidance, through dreams, was very much a part of the Christmas story and the events that followed!
For instance, Joseph was guided to Egypt for safety, through a dream (Matthew 2:13), then guided back to Israel after Herod's death through a dream (Matthew 2:19 -20). Much of this 'dreamy' guidance was also fulfilling prophecies regarding the Messiah! Sometimes God’s guidance may come as warnings similar to those given to the wise men (Matthew 2:12) and to Joseph (Matthew 2:22-23).
Like Joseph, for those of us who may feel that life has taken us through some uncertain paths, it’s good to remind ourselves that God waits to give a 'dream of guidance’ this Christmas. Or, maybe, like the Magi (Matthew 2:12), or the GPS in your vehicle, He is looking to re-route the direction of your life, because of a wrong turn you are about to take. If so, be sensitive to His voice and act now.
THOUGHT - In what areas do you need clear guidance? Are you willing to submit to God’s direction, as Joseph did?
‘Never overlook the power of a dream’ – David Wilkerson
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About this Plan
Christmas can be a difficult time for many people. Looking back over the year, they may see many dreams not fulfilled and many questions unanswered. Others face stress, loneliness and financial struggles. They can't seem to identify with the celebratory Christmas spirit around them that somehow seems to have eluded them. Their cry, echoed through the words of Country legend Merle Haggard may be, 'If we make it through December, everything is gonna be alright I know'. Over the next 6 days, these Christmas Reflections will inspire you to know that God waits to fulfill your dreams and answer your questions
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We would like to thank Pastor Palitha Jayasooriya and the Peoples Church in Sri Lanka for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://www.peopleschurch.lk/