Thursday, December 17, 2009

Cathy’s Corner

 

If you ask the man on the street what he thinks of the babe of Christmas, you’ll be surprised at the answers. Just look at the folks who were there when it happened.

The innkeeper was downright indifferent – a census had come to town, and he was busy ringing up the cash register. Consider the shepherds in the field – only after the band of angels bent over backward to explain the celestial fireworks were their fears finally put to rest.

The wise men were curious, poking here and there with questions until they found answers that satisfied. Then there were those who, like Mary and Joseph, worshiped the newborn King.

People haven’t changed much since Bible times … Are you, like the innkeeper, indifferent? Too busy? Are you still searching, looking for answers? Or maybe you’re frightened because the baby in the manger asks too much of you. Stop to think how you would have responded had you been the man on the streets of Bethlehem that night.

There are a thousand different ways to respond to the news that a Savior has been born … but the fact remains that until a child was born, this world was cloaked in utter darkness, abandoned, hopeless, and lost. But for unto us, a child is born, a Son is given! There is only one response: Worship and joyous praise!

                                                                                    Joni Eareckson Tada

 

Have you ever wondered what other people think about Christmas?  I’m not talking about those we know and that understand the true meaning of the season. I’m talking about people who don’t share our belief but still like to cash in on the holiday season. Like the innkeeper they just ring up all those sales and think about this as their busiest time of the year and hope they make a lot of profit. What about those who are afraid of what Christmas means and what it might cost them? They are so worried about what they may have to give up, they don’t want to consider what Jesus is really all about. Then we have the curious that want all of the answers ahead of time and may or may not believe. They just want all their questions answered - maybe even scientific answers to satisfy their curiosity.

I am so glad that someone took the time to teach me the true meaning of Christmas. I’m grateful that God loved us so much that He was willing to clothe Himself in swaddling clothes yet only to die a brutal death so that we could spend eternity with Him. No matter whether we are too busy, indifferent, afraid or just curious, the fact is Jesus was born in a manger one night and He gave hope to all. We can rejoice in His love for us and the hope we have in Him.

 

There is no better time to tell others the great news about Jesus than Christmas. Many people seem to be more receptive to spiritual things, while others are desperately searching for ways to overcome their pain and loneliness. Let’s approach the holiday season with prayerful attention to those we come in contact with who need a relationship with God, then carefully and thoughtfully share the message of Christmas with them.

 

Have a great day in the Lord!

 

 

No comments: