Just some early morning thoughts from me to you…
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31: 8 (NIV)And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2: 10-12 (ESV)
Great story.
But do we really believe it?
What do you think those shepherds thought when the angel came to them and said “Fear not…unto you is born this day…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
They had not seen any miracles yet. No healing, no walking on water. He was just a baby lying there in that manger, a smelly hay-filled feed trough. But, after all, it was an angel talking to them—so they may have at least thought—well maybe it’s true.
Here we are three weeks on the other side of yet another Christmas celebration, and I wonder if we really remember, know, and believe where we have been.
Do we really believe that the birth of Christ happened? Do we really believe that it is more than just an interesting story of an unwelcome family and birth in a town called Bethlehem?
We just read again the words of the Angel—“For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
But being completely honest, and looking around at a world and people so out of control, you can’t help but wonder, if that really happened, where is He? Why is He allowing all this in the world and in people’s lives to happen? The short answer you and I both know is that God allowed each of us the free will to do good or to do evil, in His sight.
But set that aside for a moment and look within.
Do we know that we have been with God?
Scientists and scholars have tried to disprove what occurred and all they were able to do was—prove it.
Do we know that because of what God did for us over two thousand years ago, which we celebrated again three weeks ago, that no matter what we face or confront in life—God is always with us?
Do we know that no matter what is going on in our lives, and the world around us—both good or bad, up or down, success or failure—not only is God with us, but He is at work in all of it for our good.
Do we really believe that? What do you think?
Let me suggest that we think yes.
And when we do, let’s allow our lives to reflect outwardly the peace we have within, knowing God sent His Son for us.
Knowing God came for you and for me.
He did. He really did.
For now and all eternity. Believe it, claim and live it.
No telling what the world might look like if we did.
In His Name–Scott
