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!

Let’s Not Forget!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits (Ps. 103:2).

When you read the history of the Israelites you see that they tended to forget God as well as His kindness towards them. If we’re not careful, we will do the same. As His children, God has blessed us in so many ways. In Psalm 103, David reminds us of some of His blessings: who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Ps. 103:3-5). In these few verses, David reminds us that…

1.  God forgives us (v. 3). Israel had sinned time and time again and yet God forgave them. If we are honest, we would have to admit that we too have sinned against God time and time again; yet He forgives us. In addition, He heals all our diseases—He restores our moral and spiritual life. David adds, as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us (Ps. 103:12). God’s forgiveness is complete and sure.

2.  God redeems us (v. 4). God set the Israelites free from certain death in Egypt. We who have come to God by faith through Jesus for salvation have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. We have been set free from sin and sin’s penalty, which is death (see Rom. 6:23). According to David, God does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities (Ps. 103:10). God in His amazing grace and endless mercy has set us free.

3.  God crowns us (v. 4). In His grace, God surrounds or envelopes His children with His loyal, steadfast love and mercy. In fact, David goes on to write, For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him (Ps. 103:11). Thank God for His steadfast love!

4.  God satisfies us (v. 5). God brings contentment to the lives of His children by constantly caring for and providing for us. Since God created us He knows our needs, and in turn, meets our needs. He satisfies us with good things.

As we look back in history, both in the lives of the Israelites, as well as in our own lives, we can trace God’s mercy, grace, kindness, love, and compassion. So, let’s not forget God or His many benefits! Let’s say with the psalmist David, Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name (Ps. 103:1).

Remembering God’s Blessings

The psalmist David challenges the reader with these words: Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits (Ps. 103:2). I believe that when we take time to remember God’s benefits (His good deeds or acts of kindness toward His people) we will have no problem praising Him. As I have meditated on this verse I can’t help but think of God’s blessings on my life. Although the blessings are many (and no post could give them all justice) I want to share a few significant blessings from God…

One of the greatest blessings God bestowed upon me was allowing me to be born into a Christian home with a godly dad and mom. I have attached a photo of my dad and me. This picture was taken as we were preparing to go to church (if you look closely you will see some Bibles on the armrest). My dad was my hero. You can tell by my smile that I was happy to be with him. Little did I know then that I would not always have my dad with me. At the young age of 42, he was diagnosed with cancer and within three very short months dad went to his home in heaven. I still miss him but how blessed I was to have him those 16 short years. I have often said that if I were a third of the man my dad was then I would be a great man. He and my mom instilled in me the godly values that I hold dear today and that I am trying to pass on to my family. I’m grateful that my mom is still living and continues to model the Christ-life to so many.

God blessed me greatly with a great and godly wife. Her beauty was an added bonus! I love her so much and that love grows more and more each day. She has taught me so many lessons by her life as well as by her words. She loves me unconditionally and encourages me daily. I cannot imagine life without her! I remember when I was a teenager praying for my future wife and boy did God answer that prayer far more than I could ever have imagined! He gave me abundantly more than I could have ever asked. Shelley is a wonderful model of one who walks humbly with her God. Because of this (and so much more) she is also a wonderful example to our daughters. Speaking of daughters…

God blessed me with four incredible and beautiful daughters (I guess they get their looks from their mother). This picture was taken at Priester’s in AL on our way to Gulf Shores this past fall (L to R: Haley, Emily, Sarah, and Lauren). They are each a tremendous blessing from my loving Father. They bring joy to my heart and laughter to our home. They have taught me what it means to love selflessly. They are so sweet and thoughtful and demonstrate their love for their mama and daddy in so many ways! They are growing up way too fast. I am so proud of them and so thankful that they love God and are seeking to honor Him with their lives.

As I turn 44 this Thanksgiving Day I have so much to be thankful for. I am a blessed son, husband, and father. I challenge you to remember God’s blessings on your life and as you do to give Him thanks. Happy Thanksgiving!