Dec2014_Faith and Living

by Pastor Gary Levens 

“Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn… 

 

…So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. – Gospel of Luke 

God sends His messengers to ordinary people at their place of work or living with the message of hope and it brings them to the side of Jesus where they are filled with joy and they worship Him there, before going out to tell others. 

What’s more, this passage of scripture will be opened and read by countless millions all across the earth as Christmas draws near and sadly the great majority will miss its significance! 

This is about God’s love for people. This is about His simple remedy for the lost state of man. This is about God humbling Himself and coming to us, right where we’re at. This is about God filling our hearts with joy unspeakable.

 

The joy of Christmas is the Joy of sins forgiven and the bubbly new life of God percolating within our heart. The peace of Christmas is the uncopiable tranquillity that only God can bring to the soul who has decided to trust in His love. When these things are resident in the heart of a person, it is not necessary to seek them by any means. They are already freely given. They are eternal. 

It is no tragedy if you could not afford to buy gifts this Christmas. It is no tragedy if you have no lavish meal to partake of. The beauty and the simplicity of Christmas is knowing this gospel and the power and comfort it brings to your life. Knowing this Jesus and the love, joy and peace He brings to your world. 

How jingle bells and sleighs and turkeys and tinsel got all caught up in this is beyond understanding. The reality is that God chose a very simple little girl from the saddest and most despised town in Israel and had her give birth to his plan of salvation for the world throughout the ages, in a stable full of smells and straw. 

 

He’s still among us and He still comes in simplicity