Week of: December 3, 2012 pmcrawford1@gmail.com
Sharing by: Pam Crawford
Luke 2:8-14
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
'O HOLY NIGHT
The Christmas decorations are beginning to sprout up everywhere and the beauty of the season tends to bring a smile to my face especially when I'm looking at things that represent the true meaning of this season. The above picture is part of the Christmas lighting display at my home at night. Originally my husband built the cross so I could use it for our Easter display however, I got to thinking a few years back that the cross belongs in the Christmas scene to serve as a reminder that we are celebrating something much bigger than Santa, reindeer and snowmen.
Adding a spotlight to the base of this cross brought about an image that takes my breath away every time I see it. The true reason for this season is the birth of JESUS and so far the response of our display has been a favorable one. We have actually received notes in our mailbox by passerby's thanking us for the display. Praise God that we still live in a country where we are free to do this!
There was a bright light shining in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago to announce the birth of the Messiah (Savior). This was the moment in time when God himself put on flesh (John 1:14) and entered this world as an innocent baby boy. His purpose was to bring new hope. This event was prophesied in the old testament book of Micah 5:2: "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village in Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past." According to the commentary in the Life's application Bible "The promised eternal King in David's line, who would come to live as a man, had been alive forever - "whose origins are from the distant past." Although eternal, Christ entered human history as the man, Jesus of Nazareth for a great purpose."
Like the cross, the image of a helpless child lying in a manger is a representation of something big. Jesus lived an amazing life from the moment of His birth. He would be raised within a family just like you and me and there would be trials and suffering too. It is Jesus himself that gives us the most wonderful example of life, death and new hope. Sadly, despite it all, some still argue that because they cannot see God, He doesn't exist. This my friends is hogwash! Just because we can't see something does not mean it doesn't exist. Think about air. You can't see air, but I bet your glad you can breathe it.
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| Nativity on Chardon Square |
Because the birth and resurrection of Jesus is a documented historical fact, we can know the details if we're willing to explore. I believe there is no better time than Christmas to put the spotlight on the Word of God. The Bible was God-inspired (2 Timothy 3:16) and God is more than willing to help His children understand every bit of it. If you have already surrendered your life to Christ you are blessed to share in this beautiful message of Christmas. Turn on your spotlight and help someone find the way. If you have yet to discover this gift, or you have been hesitant to open it, don't waste another moment! Seek out a good Bible based church and begin to make Jesus the Lord of your life. If you need some assistance I'm here to help too.
It is my prayer that this Christmas God will be welcoming many new believers into His family. I pray His light will begin to shine brightly all over this world through His children. I pray that we will not sit by quietly as we watch religious freedoms coming under attack in America. I pray that Christians will rise up with great courage. I pray we will refuse to allow the light of this world to be extinguished. May God revive the hearts of His people to stand against the evil of our day. We can do it! MERRY CHRISTMAS.
The greatest thing I ever did for myself was to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. May I end by echoing the words found in 1 Timothy 1:15 - "This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"--and I am the worst of them all."
In Christ by grace,
Pam
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." - Ephesians 2:8
'O Holy Night
