From the Pastor...
On that first Christmas while the shepherds were out in the field keeping watch over their flock by night, an angel of the Lord appeared to them and said, "Be not afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people, for to you is born this day in the City of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11) Please note that when the shepherds responded to that revelation in faith, when they ventured forth because God had spoken to them, they then discovered the reward of faith. They found that God's promise is true. Indeed, what our Heavenly Father promises us shall always be done as we believe and respond obediently to Him and His Word.
However, the weakness of our flesh, the frailty of our human frame, and the distractions of our secular culture are constantly diverting our attention and affection for God who is continually wanting to do more for us than we will permit Him to do. If we would only take God at His word and trust His promises, then, like those shepherds of old, we, too, would find the reward and fulfillment of faith. "And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger." (Luke 2:16)
And not only did they find, but so great was the joy that welled up in their hearts and spirits, that they had to tell others about it. The good news about the birth of the Savior could not be casually contained. Rather, it erupted and bubbled over! Good tidings had been announced to them. A wealth of good news was theirs, and they felt compelled to share it with other people. Thus, when they had seen the Baby Jesus lying in the manger and Mary and Joseph in the stable, then they instinctively made known everywhere the wonderful news that had come to them concerning this new-born infant. This Baby lying in the manger is none other than the Savior of the world whose coming is good news for all humanity.
This Biblical commission has not come to an end. Nor is it lacking for us today. Yea, if we do have good news, let us share it eagerly. If we do believe that Christ was born a Babe in Bethlehem, let us tell it lovingly. If we are happy in our faith, let others see and know it. If we think that fellowship with the Lord Jesus is a grand and glorious blessing, let's make known to all that our Savior has come and we love Him with all we are and all we have! This divine charge is certainly yours and mine today as followers of Jesus Christ just as it was 2000 years ago with those early shepherds.
As we gather together in the Father's House this Third Sunday of Advent for Bible Study and Worship, I shall be delighted to greet you and your family. We shall be blessed and inspired in our combined Worship Service at 11:00 a.m. as our Chancel Choir presents a Program of Christmas Music.
In His Service,
Bob
Posted on 12/07/2010 7:43 AM by Dr. Bob Hoffmann
