A Newsworthy Event

Not too long ago the newspaper and evening news were two major ways people got their news, but the internet has changed all of that. It is becoming more prevalent for people to get their news on Facebook, Twitter, or even YouTube. Yet, with all of today’s technology we have never received news like it was communicated over 2,000 years ago. The Apostle Luke records the story (Luke 2:1-20). Can you imagine being one of the shepherds out in the field the night an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them (Luke 2:9)? The angel appeared with a very important message, “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 ” (Luke 2:9-11). The news the angel shared was a newsworthy event.

This newsworthy event that was first proclaimed in the fields within the vicinity of Bethlehem is newsworthy because of who was born and why He was born. Jesus, the Son of God, was born to the virgin Mary in the town of Bethlehem, born in a lowly stable and placed in a feeding trough. Yet what may have looked on the exterior like an ordinary birth was, in reality, an extraordinary birth—making this particular birth a newsworthy event.   

It is news worth rejoicing over. Luke writes, 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 among those with whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:13-14). When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us” (Luke 2:15). Their response after they had seen Jesus is worth noting: And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them (Luke 2:20).

The angels and the shepherds rejoiced at the birth of Jesus. Like the angels and the shepherds we can celebrate Jesus’ birth. Although His birth was long ago we still celebrate because of its implication for our lives. As the song reminds us, He came from heaven to earth to show the way, from the earth to the cross our debt to pay, from the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky. We need to lift His name on high!

It is news worth repeating. Luke tells us, And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them (Luke 2:16-18). The shepherds could not keep what they had seen to themselves—they had to share with others.

Like the shepherds, we too must tell the good news to everyone who will listen. The good news? ”Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Luke also recorded Jesus’ final words before He went back to heaven: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Christians are to be Christ’s witnesses, repeating this good news.

It is news worth remembering. Luke writes, Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart (Luke 2:19). Mary treasured and pondered this news. No doubt, she remembered the events of that night for the rest of her life. During this Christmas season, we can take time to remember Jesus’ birth and how it impacts our lives. We can also keep Jesus at the forefront of our thoughts every day.

This news story was worth rejoicing over, worth repeating and worth remembering because of its implication for the whole world. Jesus came to earth to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). John reminds us that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). So, this was no ordinary birth because this was no ordinary baby. This baby was a Savior, Christ the Lord, the Son of God. Jesus grew up and ultimately died on a cross, paying in full the payment for the sin of the whole world, and then resurrecting the third day. Those who acknowledge their sin and need of a Savior, and who by faith accept Jesus’ work on their behalf will be saved from death. The Apostle Paul reminds us, God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

The birth of Christ was newsworthy because of who He was and why He came, so let’s rejoice, let’s repeat, and let’s remember this good and joyful news!

In the Midst of Evil Our Only Hope Is Jesus!

This past Friday my heart sank as I learned the news of the shooting spree at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. As more details came out, my heart began to break because of the many small children whose young lives were taken, not to mention the brave faculty and staff who died protecting their students. Thankfully, due to the faculty and staff’s heroic actions on Friday morning, many children’s lives were spared.

No doubt many today are asking the question, Why? Why would a young man take the life of his mother, the lives of twenty children and six adults. Many will speculate, but no one will ever really know definitively the reasons this young man committed such a deplorable act.

As I reflected on this news I was reminded of another horrific scene that took place over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem, Israel, and its vicinity. King Herod ordered that all boys, two years old and under, were to be killed (Matthew 2:16). Matthew repeats the prophet Jeremiah’s words to describe the scene, “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more” (Matthew 2:18; cf. Jeremiah 31:15). Only those who have lost a child can even begin to imagine the  heartbreak and pain these moms and dads in Bethlehem experienced. Sadly, the moms and dads in Newtown can understand.

Why did King Herod commit such a deplorable act? He had heard that the “king of the Jews” had been born in Bethlehem and he was troubled (Matthew 2:1-3). He feared losing his throne and kingdom. Since King Herod did not know where this “king of the Jews” was, and to ensure that he killed him, he ordered all boys, two years old and under, to be killed. Tragically, no boy two years old and under escaped Herod’s death sentence, that is, except for one (Matthew 2:13-15). That boy’s name was Jesus. Herod’s plan to kill baby Jesus, the “king of the Jews,” had failed. 

King Herod’s actions in Bethlehem and its vicinity, and the lone gunman’s actions in Newtown, are clear reminders of the existence of evil. Evil is real and this past Friday we were reminded just how real it is. Jesus warned us that “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10), and right now “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Our only hope is Jesus!

During this Christmas season we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth was to rescue men from sin. The angel told the shepherds, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Jesus revealed that He came to earth “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). He died on the cross to save all who would come to Him by faith for salvation (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Three days later He rose from the dead and today He sits at God’s right hand (1 Corinthians 15:4; Hebrews 10:12). Jesus will return again to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16). When He comes the second time He will remove the evil one, doing away with evil once and for all (Revelation 20:10). Jesus will also “wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). In fact, Jesus tells us that He will  make “all things new” (Revelation 21:5). Our only hope is Jesus! 

Let’s continue to pray for the families of the Newtown victims, as well as the entire Newtown community. Let’s be faithful to share with others the good news of why Jesus came to earth. Let’s be anticipating Jesus’ return. In the midst of evil, our only hope is Jesus!

Predictions, Prophecies, and Promises

If you search “end time predictions” on Google’s search engine you will find over 71 million results. If you enter “prophecies” in your search you will find nearly 17 million results. If you add to this the thousands of printed resources there is no short supply of reading material on these subjects. Of course, if one wants to read about predictions and prophecies that are completely accurate, one only needs to turn to the Bible.

I am neither a prophet, nor do I make predictions. However, I do believe we are  witnessing the words of Jesus: And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains (Matthew 24:6–8). In the past six days, I have received seven breaking news reports about earthquakes around the world. I continue to read reports of nation against nation, and tragically, famines are a reality. We must remember that these events are the beginning of the birth pains…the end is not yet!

Recently while reading about the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection, I read about the women who came to Jesus’ tomb to anoint His body. An angel told them: “He is not here, for He has risen, as He said” (Matthew 28:6). Jesus was no longer in the tomb. He had risen from the dead as He said. Jesus had promised on more than one occasion that He would die and rise again (see Matthew 12:40; Mark 8:31; Mark 9:30-32; Mark 10:32-34; John 2:19-22). And true to His Word, Jesus rose again. He is alive! What Jesus says He will do, He will do!

Jesus also made another promise: Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matthew 24:30). Jesus promised He would return. And what Jesus says He will do, He will do! We can anticipate the return of Jesus.

Are you ready for Jesus’ return? If not, then go here to learn more. For those of us who are ready to meet Jesus we can continue to be His witnesses by His power. No doubt, we cannot count on every prediction or prophecy that we read about today (except those found in the pages of the Bible), but we can count on every promise of Jesus because what Jesus says He will do, He will do!

Focusing on the One Whose Birthday We Celebrate

Just a few days ago we celebrated the 13th birthday of my oldest daughter, Haley. What a fun time it was as we watched her blow out her candles and open her presents as she was surrounded by her family and friends. It was a joy to see the beautiful smile on her face and hear her laughter. It was clear she was enjoying and cherishing the moment. After all, it was her moment. The presents were for her. The birthday cake complete with 13 candles was for her. Everyone was focused on her because it was her birthday! It took me back to the moment we celebrated her 1st birthday. Boy, times have changed though. This birthday she did not have the chocolate icing all over her face and she did not get any toys as presents. My how she has grown!

In less than 24 hours our family will get to celebrate another birthday, but this is no ordinary birthday. We are going to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Long ago an angel appeared to some shepherds to announce a special birth. What an experience it must have been for those shepherds to hear the angel in the field that night, “...behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). What an incredible birth announcement it was; after all, it was joyous news that needed to be proclaimed! I also think of the experience it must have been for those shepherds as they arrived in the stable and got to see the newborn Child. They were no longer focused on their sheep, their eyes were focused on the Christ child, the One who would one day lay down His life as a sacrificial lamb to die for the sins of the world. 

Tragically, among many today, the focus this season is not on the Christ of Christmas. In fact, His birth announcement is growing more silent in our nation. Nativity scenes are no longer being displayed in some public squares. The Christ of Christmas is even being denied and His name used in vain. Many Americans treat this holiday as any other, with no special significance. Most have been busy buying presents for family and friends (nothing wrong with that) but all the while ignoring the One whose birthday it is we celebrate!
So, I thought I'd send along a friendly reminder for us all...it is Christ’s birthday we celebrate! It is He who deserves the gifts. Have you thought much about what presents you will give Him for His birthday? Allow me to share a few ideas. Mary, Jesus' mother, gave herself, allowing her womb to nestle the sweet baby Jesus. She also gave her time during the pregnancy and many years after that. The Magi (or wise men) also gave of their time, investing nearly two years traveling to see the Christ child. These magi also gave of their treasure: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Like Mary and the magi we can give ourselves to Jesus, yielding everything we have, including our time and treasure, to Him.

Some of you may be thinking you don't have much to give. Well, my daughters would agree. They don't have much treasure to speak of, but I have noticed lately that they are giving of their time on a very special project. Each year they present a Christmas play for family. This year it's going to be even bigger and better than before. In fact, from the bits and pieces I have been able to put together, it will be more of a production than a play this year. There will be acting, music, and even solos. Our four girls have been giving of their time to write out the play and to practice. Believe me, it requires much time for a 10 and 13 year old to teach two five year olds their parts! I appreciate how our girls help us all to focus on the One whose birthday we celebrate. I look forward this evening to worshipping and adoring my Savior and I know Jesus will be smiling at my girls as they celebrate His birthday...He too will be enjoying the moment! So, regardless of what you have to give to Jesus, at least give Him some of your time on His birthday! Happy Birthday Jesus! Merry Christmas everyone!

“The First...and the Last”

In the book of Revelation, found in the Holy Bible, John records these powerful words of Jesus: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:13)
Just think, the one, true and living God has always existed. There has never been a time when He did not exist and there never will be a time when He will cease to exist. You see, unlike us, God had no beginning. He is the beginning. Moses informed us that God was the Beginning when he wrote, “In the beginning God...” (Genesis 1:1). And unlike us, God will have no end. After all, He is the end.

Throughout the pages of the Holy Bible we are told that God is eternal. He is forever and forever. He was not created because He has always existed. He will never die because He alone is the Omega...the Last...the End!

Now, allow the truth of these precious promises to encourage you today. If you know God's Son, Jesus Christ, personally as your Lord and Savior, then you and I serve a God who alone is eternal. The God of history, the One who spoke and it was so, is eternal. He is the First and the Last! So, rejoice and take courage today in our Eternal God!

Now with this truth comes the realization that people today need to hear about Eternal God. Those who are dying need to know about the One who will never die. Those who are weak need the strength of Eternal God. Those who are hopeless need to find lasting hope that only comes through knowing Eternal God. Those who are searching for meaning to life need to meet Eternal God. And those who are dying in their sin need to be introduced to Eternal God, the Lover of their souls! So let's be aware of the people around us and as God gives us opportunities, let’s introduce them to Eternal God.