And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:1-14)
Today's Morsel: I often wonder why we seem to wait until the month of December to tell the Christmas story. Didn't Jesus commission us to go preach the gospel to every creature? "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:15-18). So why do so many wait until December to do it? I recently read in a magazine that most Christians are afraid to share their faith with others. Why do we go about wanting to do more good deeds in December than the rest of the year? Our church leaders decided that we wouldn't knock on doors this coming year to share the gospel and invite people to church, but rather we would go about doing good deeds for our neighbors, like baking, and being more involved in community projects. As born again believers, Jesus said that we should be letting our light shine. Therefore, we should be telling the world everyday and on every opportunity we get to share Jesus. I believe that many would enjoy Christmas so much more if they knew what it meant before December. Every day we should be proclaiming as the angels did, saying to the people, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" Paul said (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). People can't be saved without Jesus Christ in their lives. And it is our duty to tell them. Not only in December, but all year long .
Sing: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hill and everywhere. Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born!
No comments:
Post a Comment