10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 NIV
The following is a story from one of my friends, Jack, who encourages many people.
Some of my relationships include friends whose drug addiction issues have put them on the wrong side of the law. A couple of them are now in prison because of their wrong decisions. A couple of days ago, one of them asked if I could email her some pictures of nativity scenes. They are having a contest to see which dorm rooms can have the best Christmas decorations. My friend Julie showed the Nativity scene to one roommate and she liked it. She showed it to another and she wasn't to thrilled with it. She told Julie that it looked nice, but then reminded her, "This was about Christmas" and suggested she find something more Christmasy. "Like what?" Julie asked. Her roommate replied, "How about something with Santa Claus in it, something that actually relates to Christmas." Julie took a deep breath, took a step back and explained to her that the nativity scene was indeed Christmasy - very Christmasy. The roommate was dumbfounded. She told Julie that she had no idea, she had never heard that story before.
When the angels shared the good news of Jesus’ birth, it was natural for the shepherds to check out the story to see if a baby was indeed born that night in a manger. Look how Luke reported the events – 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:17-18
My good late friend Buddy Finch would often say, “And the people were amazed”. The boldness of our God and the simplicity of the birth of Jesus are truly amazing. May you find someone this Christmas who has never heard the good news of the Christmas story. He brought joy at his birth and continues to bring joy for those who are born again today.
What a wonderful story we get to tell. It is so wonderful, marvelous and miraculous it entices us to respond in faith to believe it. Our God became a baby, not born in royalty with great fanfare in the stable, but announced by the angelic heavenly host to common place shepherds.
Make sure Christ is the center of your Christmasy this year.
Blessings Love ya’ll
Precious story. Many years ago I had a nativity set up. I showed it to my 4 year old granddaughter, & talked to her about the birth of Jesus. After she went home, I noticed that baby Jesus was missing. I called my granddaughter & asked her if she knew what happened to baby Jesus. She said, “I was going to bring Him back, but I just wanted to hold Him for a while.” That little girl is now 20 & faithfully serving the Lord.