2008-12-22 11:14:00
"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons" (Galatians 4:4,5).
Yesterday we took our Amish friends, Jesse and Anna Ruth, along with their four children, and also Ken and Nila with their toddler David to an assisted living facility. The children rang the bells and we sang Christmas carols to the residents room by room.
This up-close and personal approach was very meaningful to the residents. Their eyes brightened and their warm smiles greeted us as we walked into their rooms (mostly seeing the kids, of course). The children were a little nervous in the beginning but quickly grew comfortable after meeting the first couple residents. They extended their little hands for a warm handshake which was most eagerly accepted from the people. Even Eli James stretched out his nearly two year old hand to each resident. Anna Ruth placed the 6 month baby, Naomi Grace, on many grandmothers' laps and they were absolutely delighted with the touch of a tiny babe in their arms.
As we approached the room of a Jewish woman I whispered to Brooksyne, "She might not want to hear the Christmas carols." Brooksyne asserted that she would be fine since she regularly attends the hymn sings that Brooksyne leads. We went in and sang a sacred carol and she sang right along. As we left singing "We wish you a Merry Christmas" she expressed her heartfelt appreciation that we had stopped by!
Here in the United States (and probably in many other countries) public Christmas expressions are increasingly seen as insensitive, unacceptable and intolerant. Even using the customary "Merry Christmas" expression is banned in some settings. This is a relatively recent development brought on by the sensitivity police and those easily offended. (I don't think the new politically correct message had gotten to our Jewish friend.) The incessant efforts of godless groups like the ACLU persistently seek to remove any hint of Christ from the public square and this is most pointedly seen at Christmas.
However there are those who still boldly express their view of the season. Along the main street in our town we have a large auto dealership with a lighted sign which states "Christ Is Born."
Bible teacher Warren Wiersbe observes, "In this day when pluralism is interpreted by most people to mean 'agree with everybody about everything and don't make waves,' Christians need to remember that they are different and must test everything by the Word of God. There are many religions, but there is still 'no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved'" (Acts 4:12). That name of course is Jesus.
Today let's remember the real focus of Christmas: "God sent His Son." This is the vital truth and the greatest source of joy and encouragement. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Jesus, You are life's greatest Treasure as You emptied Yourself of equality with God and chose to be made in human likeness taking on the very nature of a servant. Thank You for coming to us and meeting our most critical need of salvation. May we not be fearful but openly voice Your presence in the public square even as great hosts of angels proclaimed Your earthly arrival in Bethlehem. Your salvation message brings hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, and release for those help captive in the ravages of sin's wasteland. You did not descend to earth in order to conquer or enslave, but to draw the hearts of humankind to Yourself through the incredible sacrificial love that poured forth from Your body on the cross of Calvary. What personal wondrous love is this! Amen.
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