Heaven released a blessing when the angels declared at Jesus’ birth announcement. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and goodwill to all men.”

First and foremost our focus should always be on the glory of God. “In whatever you do, do for the glory of God” [1 Cor. 10:31]. Honoring and worshiping God is always our first priority. We should never seek our own glory because that would be so inferior to our being invited by God to experience and share in His glory.

Second, we must realize that Christ Jesus took all of God the Father’s punishment at the Cross. God’s wrath was poured out on Christ so those who are in Christ are free from His punishment. “For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” [1 Thess. 5:9]. When we sin we may punish ourselves or others may punish us but God will not do it. This does not mean we have permission to sin, heaven forbid we think sin is okay, but if we do we have an advocate with the Father.

The manger only has relevance in view of the Cross.

Because Christ took all of God’s punishment He offers peace and goodwill to all those who will receive it in Christ. “Peace and goodwill” simply means that God blessed the earth and mankind with His peace and goodwill [intentions]. This means God wants everyone to be in health, to be safe, and to prosper in every area and relationship in their lives.

As we celebrate Christmas today let us be reminded that Christmas is everyday. The gift of Christmas is Christ and He never stops giving. People can take Christ out of their celebration of Christmas but they cannot take Christ out of Christmas.

My wife Donna and I agree with God and therefore release this Christmas call to those who have ears to hear ~

May each of you experience God’s peace and goodwill daily. May you increase in wisdom and stature [only spiritual stature if like me you don’t want to expand physically] and in favor with God and man. May the future find you reveling in the goodness of God as doors of enormous opportunity open for you. May you be blessed when you rise up and when you lie down. May you be blessed at work and at your times of rest, relaxation or recreation [re-creation]. May you be blessed at home and when you are traveling. May you be blessed with health, safety and peace of mind and may you dream the dreams of God for you and your family, and may you find yourself living out those dreams with great joy and satisfaction.

For HIS Glory!

Dr. Kevin M. Drury
A Hisstorymaker