No other name

I'll be completely frank with you - we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is 'the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.' Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one." Acts 4:10-12 The Message

This morning I was praying about a Christmas play our church's children's dance, drama and sing group is putting on in a few weeks. I was asking God to help us to not get caught up in the organising and preparation, and loose sight of Jesus (and not just the baby doll we are using) and what it is that we are celebrating.

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 AMP

The birth of Jesus. When you have your first child, life certainly changes dramatically for the parents. Jesus birth offered the opportunity for every human's life to change dramatically. His birth was the first step in making a way for our salvation. Without His birth, there would have been no crucifixion and resurrection. There would have been no way for us to be reconciled with our Heavenly Father.

Yet now has [Christ, the Messiah] reconciled [you to God] in the body of His flesh through death, in order to present you holy and faultless and irreproachable to His [the Father's] presence. Colossians 1:22 AMP

As the celebration of Christmas draws nearer, lets be purposeful about remembering Who it is all about. For whatever Christmas celebrations you are involved in, ask God to help you keep the joy of Jesus in your thoughts, words and actions. 

Here are some beautiful worship songs that always help me, in the busy-ness of life, to put Jesus in His rightful place in my life.

Find me at the feet of Jesus - Christy Nockels

Leaning on you Jesus - Christy Nockels

Let it be Jesus - Christy Nockels

No sweeter name - Kari Jobe

Sweep me away - Kari Jobe
Revelation Song - Kari Jobe

And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 AMP