CHRISTMAS CHANGE

Matthew 18:3-4

Jesus said,"Unless you CHANGE and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Before Jesus demanded anything of us, he took it on himself to live out those demands here on earth.
In Matthew 18:3-4 Jesus demands us to CHANGE and become like little children. So, let's look at the dreaded word "change."

What do you think or do when you are faced with change?
Do you hesitate or stop if any action or situation requires you to change?
Why do some of us resist change so much?
Do you know anyone who would rather be miserable than make a change?
Do you struggle with stubbornness when it comes to change?

Before the beginning of time God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, created the world and knew right from the beginning all about CHANGE and what it would require of them.
God knew he would send His only Son from heaven to CHANGE THE WORLD.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, so that everyone who believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

Jesus submitted to the plan and made the CHANGE from heaven to earth. Because it pleased Him to do the Father's will and He loved all of creation, Jesus came as a newborn baby to the earth that Christmas morning. 

Mary, only a teenager, submitted to the plan that CHANGED her life. She carried,delivered and raised the baby Messiah, Savior of the World. (Even in this part of the plan God is reaching out to teenagers)

Joseph, Mary's husband, submitted to the part he would play in God's plan as he protected and supplied every immediate need for the baby Jesus and his teenage wife Mary.

The Shepherds experienced CHANGE in their lives as they were honored to be the first ones selected for the only appearance of the heavenly angels and sent to worship the newborn baby in Bethlehem. No longer would they feel unnoticed or forgotten.

The Wisemen chose to CHANGE their location, their regular daily routine and their hearts as they followed a star and knelt before a baby to acknowledge Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

So how are you and God doing?
When you hear from God and follow the Lord Jesus Christ you will never be the same. The fact is when we follow the Lord Jesus Christ we will be required to CHANGE. The CHANGE requires us to grow in our walk with the Lord and become more Christ-like in our soul, heart and character. 
The CHANGE is not a one-time only thing. The CHANGE is constant and forever.

Have you really made a CHANGE in your life as you follow Jesus?
Scripture says:
                        "UNLESS YOU CHANGE..."

It is time to reevaluate your life and position with Jesus Christ. Only you and you alone truly know if there has been a true deep CHANGE in your heart. 

Is it time for a CHANGE in your walk with the Lord?
Do others see a CHANGE in you on a daily basis?
More importantly, does Jesus Christ see a CHANGE in your heart?

The Scripture also says "and become like little children", what does that mean?
Most little children do not have much money. They lack wisdom and discernment and do not have any power.
Total dependence is a natural reaction for a child and they are perfectly content to completely depend on the guardian for love, care and protection.
The one thing children will do without hesitation is willingly ask for help. They are not ever afraid to ask for help. 

Are you seeking the Lord for help? Are you asking Jesus Christ for help on everything you do, say and think? Are you coming to the Lord with a humble heart?

Have you been ignoring God's call on your life to CHANGE and grow in your faith?

God is calling each one of us today and everyday to follow Him and His commands. When we trust and humbly obey Him, we are living as one of His children. When we have child like faith and follow God's Word we will have peace and hope while we live here on earth. A peace that only God can give.
     Romans 5:1-5
"Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us..."

Take time today to bend down on your knees and pray for God to reveal His plan for your life. Ask God the questions you have been thinking about and seek His answers in His Holy Bible and through godly counsel.
Begin memorizing God's word in your heart and the CHANGE will begin.
                    Isaiah 55:11 "God's Word will not return void"

Start with something easy like Joshua 1:9, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 3:5-6,
Philippians 4:8, 2 Peter 1:5-8


"Christmas is about a baby born in a stable, who changed the world forever."
John Maxwell

As Christians we are not just forgiven, we too are changed.

No matter what you are facing you can start today as a CHANGED person living for Jesus Christ this Christmas and always. 

Dear Lord,
How can it be that you would choose to CHANGE from one so great and in heaven to a baby in a manger so small? Please help me to follow you with all of my heart like a little child. Teach me to trust you and depend on you every day of my life. Thank you for your love and sacrifice for me. I love you Lord Jesus.
Amen.