December 2017
by Seth Halpern, Editor It’s that time of year again. You know, the time when homes, stores and businesses are filled with Christmas trees and decorations. It’s the time of the year when the chill in the air is relieved by hot cider and the rain doesn’t distract us from going to the store to find just the right gift for everyone from our loved ones to our co-workers. Christmastime is here. We can smell the pine and feel the excitement and anticipation in the air. Travel and visiting plans are being created. There is a lot of joyful preparation and a lot of money spent. It’s the favorite season of a great many families, but it is also a difficult season for many. Loved ones have passed, strained relationships are tested, and financial problems lead to feelings of guilt or envy. Yes, for many,
“’tis NOT the season to be jolly!”. Our culture has built a Christmas celebration that feeds on many of the things that sidetrack us from the main point (or rather, person) of Christmas: who is Christ! It is wonderful to give gifts to our family members and have get-togethers with loved ones and new friends. The “Season” is wonderful in many ways. However, we do not honor or worship the “season” or even “Christmas Day”. The reason for our celebration is Christ the Lord. He was born. Whether or not it occurred on Dec. 25th is not the issue. What’s at issue is that God became man to be with us (Immanuel- God With Us). We can certainly enjoy family time, decorations, feasting and gift giving. Yet, if we leave out “Jesus” the one for whom the Holiday gets its name, we have missed the celebration entirely. So, I encourage
you to anticipate all those things you enjoy (or find painful because of loss) this Christmas season: Family, decorations, food, and gifts- but please remember the one, Christ- who came as the gift from the Father God to become one of us, live a perfect life, then give himself as a “sacrificial lamb” on the cross for every single one of our sins so that we can have a relationship with God, the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. His sacrifice gave us life for eternity when we give Him back our life and make Him Lord or our life. Our gift to you is an issue that is dedicated to encourage you in having a Christ-centered Christmas. May God bless you this Christmas with a growing understanding and relationship with Him. He Truly is the “Reason” for the “Season”! Merry Christmas.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
What the Shepherds Knew - Paula McBride
Page 14 12 Christmas Prayers
Page 16 Born for a Purpose
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THE AMBASSADOR ?The Ambassador is a free, monthly publication promoting unity and revival among the local Yuba-Sutter area Bible-believing churches. ?The Ambassador has a circulation of 5,500 - 7,500 and is distributed in local churches and businesses in the community. ?The purpose of The Ambassador is to pursue the great commission of Christ by making disciples and to encourage, inform, challenge and connect the local body of Christ. ?We believe in the inspiration and authority of the Bible as the written word of God. We believe that God exists as One, in three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ?We believe that the atoning work of Christ (His death) on the cross and His resurrection is the ONLY means of salvation and the only way to Eternal Life in Heaven. ?We welcome editorial content from anyone wishing to promote the mission of The Ambassador. All articles and advertisement content is subject to the approval of the editor. Views expressed in The Ambassador do not necessarily reflect those of our sponsors or advertisers
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• • • Casual Conversation • • •
This “Name that Christmas Carol” quiz celebrates these hymns by testing your familiarity with them – one lyric at a time. Can you name them? Love. The first Saturday of December, rain or shine, finds a growing gathering of individuals for the tree lighting; there are hymns that include Silent Night while Mr. McC… plays the trumpet, a message by guest speakers focused on the birth of Christ; the joyful celebration on the true meaning of the season continues over hot apple cider, cocoa, cookies, and munchies. What would cause someone to faithfully continue a tradition for so many years, in all sorts of weather? Mr. McC… gives a few reasons. First, he feels it is necessary to remember how God takes care of him, including giving him another perfect wife; the star on top of the tree is a guiding light for those coming home in the dark – when they see it they know they are almost there. He also hopes the stars’ light will have a spiritual significance - just as the
Wise Men followed the star to baby Jesus - that perhaps in some way the star on his tree will guide a wayward soul not just physically home but also to Jesus. This Christmas season, let’s challenge ourselves to step out and initiate an exchange as we wait somewhere in a line and share the love of Christ in a casual conversation. You just might be the guiding light showing someone the way to Jesus, lifting a burden with a kind or caring word, or make their day in some small way – perhaps even your own day. Chance encounters may just be a divinely set up opportunity. Hmm, on second thought – let’s carry it beyond the Christmas season, after all – isn’t Jesus Christ Good News yearround? www.BeyondThe SilverCoin.org
1. Strike the harp and join the chorus 2. Let men their songs employ
3. O hush the noise, ye men of strife 4. Out jumps good old Santa Claus 5. A symbol of good will and love 6. Herod the King, in his raging 7. Let steeple bells be swungen 8. The horse was lean and lank
9. Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
10. While shepherds watch are keeping? 11. With the angelic host proclaim
12. His blood mankind hath bought 13. And a cup of good cheer
14. And all the bells on earth shall ring 15. No ear may hear his coming 16. And the running of the deer
17. Radiant beams from thy holy face 18. Asleep on the hay
19. With every Christmas card I write 20. Sing, choir of angels
Answers on Page 17
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by April James Ever strike up a casual conversation with someone in the checkout line and wind up talking about Jesus, then notice the encounter lifted your spirit changing the tone of your day? Or perhaps receive a call from a wrong number leading to an opportunity to pray for the caller? I had a recent conversation with Mr. Vern McC…, a gentleman I had never encountered before, the initial contact was made through another individual. He began the conversation saying we had something in common; I was curious and listened on as he stated, “we both love God”, that was a good opening line. What followed was a surprise, he stated “we both have a cat that scratches at our door”; at this point I start laughing knowing instantly his reference to an Ambassador article I wrote nearly two years earlier (January 2016). In our conversation, I learned he lights a 125’ tree topped with a seven-foot star. The tradition began in 1983 as a surprise for his first wife when he brought her home from the hospital where she had been undergoing cancer treatment. Though she passed a few years later, the tree, lit for his first love three and a half decades ago, has become a Christmas tradition remembering Jesus - his greatest
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1. Pray with us and for us to not only sustain but to grow in impact. Pray for our health and for spiritual protection 2. Read it yourself – You will be enriched by reading it. 3. Share a copy or an article with someone- you will have someone in your life benefit from an article in every issue, cut it out and send it to them, or send them the whole issue 4. Leave a copy of The Ambassador when you’re having coffee or a meal or waiting for your car. Use it like a tract. It may be less intimidation. 5. Monitor The Ambassador at your church: assure their presence and visibility 6. Subscribe for a friend or family
member (or yourself) 7. Find new locations- ask businesses that you frequent to take some papers, deliver and monitor them 8. Deliver a small route- 1 to 2 hours each month 9. Give financially as an Individual partner, business partner, churches/ ministries partner (every dollar helps to impact the community) 10. Talk to your like-minded Christian friends, family, business associates and church leadership, about helping as well. If you would like to help, please contact Seth Halpern at 530-933-1385 or email editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
Finding Freedom in God’s Perfect Peace If you would like to experience the peace and transformed life that God can provide through Jesus Christ and you are willing to commit your life to the only one who can truly set you free from your sin, you can pray to the Lord right now and ask Him to forgive you of your sins. Because of what His Son, Jesus, did by dying on the cross, your sins will not be held against you by God anymore. You can experience freedom for the rest of your life on earth and then have a life in Heaven with God for eternity. God’s part of the deal is already done. Your part is to confess your sins, repent (or change your ways) and believe that He is Lord. If your life is out of control, let Him take over control. For help, questions, or more information, contact us at The Ambassador or any of the churches listed on page 4.
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CBA MARKETPLACE MONTHLY Twas The Night We Discovered Christmas Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the town Not a Christian was speaking they were afraid of a frown; The atheist’s message was presented with zeal In hopes the 9th circuit would grant their appeal; God’s people were silent all snug in their beds While the ACLU spewed lies that poured in our heads; And Mamma cried in her ‘kerchief, as I hid under my cap, I was too weary to fight so I settled in for a nap, When deep in my dream there arose such a clatter, God gave me a vision to see what was the matter. I saw through a window something that flashed, I hoped and I prayed that my hopes were not dashed. Just as there’s excitement of new fallen snow, God said pay attention, I have something to show. When, what to my wondering
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eyes should appear, But a beautiful angel with a message to hear. He appeared like lighting so lively and quick, I knew in a moment this wasn’t a trick. He said you’ve allowed the messengers of shame To mock and malign Christ’s wonderful name. Now Marilyn Manson, Newdow, and others, Ted Turner and Stern I wouldn’t want as my brothers. They have lied and they’ve cursed and caused many to fall, Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all! I felt such conviction, I wanted to cry. But I knew in my heart, not to quit but to try. While still in my dream, I had something to do, I wanted to scream, I wanted to sue. And then in a twinkling what I heard wasn’t a spoof, It was heavenly angels
proclaiming the truth. I marveled and looked and was turning around, My heart was in shock, it was Jesus I found. He was dressed all in white from His head to his foot, I felt so ashamed as if covered with soot. He said do not worry on what you may lack, I am your Savior, I’ll cover your back. His eyes—how they twinkled! His voice was so merry! His love for me unending, like a wide open prarie. And out of His mouth there was wisdom to know, His countenance was perfect it was even aglow. He had some sort of message held tight in His teeth, It was the story of Christmas displayed like a wreath. To be next to Jesus I felt small like an elf, It brought such conviction to be aware of myself. He looked into my eyes and
lifted my head, I experienced His grace and had nothing to dread. He spoke these words with no sign of a smirk, There’s a message to share, waste no time get to work. Christmas is coming, acknowledge my birth, I came as your Savior to restore your good worth. Proclaim me to others, let your voices be heard, Don’t let the profaners destroy my good Word. And when he was finished, he took off like a missile, I jumped to my feet as if stung with a thistle. But I heard Jesus exclaim as he left me that night, Merry Christmas to all, go and share this delight.
David Kugelman is the president of the Christian Business Alliance which meets each Tuesday at noon at various locations. Dave welcomes your questions or comments on this article at drkug@comcast.net
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What the Shepherds Knew by Paula McBride What would you write in your resume if you were applying for a job as a Bethlehem shepherd around 6 B.C.? Your chin might rise higher as you consider yourself better than the shepherds caring for the general flocks outside the area. They were uneducated and despised, after all. You write that you’ve had training in the Law, the Old Testament scriptures, and you have the necessary skills for keeping bouncing little lambs spotless and unblemished. You don’t mind getting blood on your hands and manure on your feet that renders you unclean. You can worship just as well in the fields as in the temple. Oh, yes! You are willing to work twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, for the entire year. So, what if the common shepherds got to lock their flocks in a pen and go home to sleep in their own beds at night! Your job satisfaction comes in knowing you’re raising perfect lambs for the sacrifices down the road in Jerusalem: two a day for morning and evening sacrifices all year except for Passover when tens of thousands of lambs poured out their blood for temporary forgiveness of sin. Sounds like a thankless job, doesn’t it? Yet it was to Bethlehem shepherds
that angel messengers brought a glorious and unique message meant just for them. What did the shepherds know that set them apart as recipients of a heavenly visitation? They knew God the Father has a heart for shepherds. Imagine the Bethlehem shepherds snuggling down with a tiny lamb and reciting Isaiah 40:11, “He tends
his flock like a shepherd: he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart.” Though smelly and unworthy of temple worship, God loves and identifies with them. The Bethlehem shepherds knew that the angelic message came to them first. Not to the high priest and certainly not to Herod. The announcement came to the lowly of society, those ready to recognize a Savior. Had the Savior been born in a palace or a temple, the shepherds would not have been welcome. The shepherds knew God made sure they would be comfortable when they reached the manger. The smells, the rough dress of the new parents, and the dim interior of the birthplace made them feel right at home. Most of all, the shepherds knew the significance of the swaddling cloths warming and restraining the limbs of
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the newborn child. It was the way they wrapped their sacrificial lambs. The angels announced a Savior for the world, and here He lay, Messiah as the prophets foretold. Born of a virgin, God with us, and yet destined to be led as a lamb to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7), pouring out His blood for the forgiveness of sins. What the shepherds knew is that God had come to them. So close, in fact, that he looked just like them. So close these outcasts were the first to witness His arrival. So close they could embrace Him. And so can we. In our unworthiness, God announces the same message, and we find a welcome at the manger. In Christ, we are fully understood in all our smelliness and dirty rags. The King who became a Lamb died once and for all for our sin, so we have access to the throne of God where the risen Lamb waits for us as we once waited for Him.
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Test Your Christmas I.Q Joseph and Mary 1. Who told Mary and Joseph to go to Bethlehem? 2. True or False: Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus because they were following a star. 3. What form of transportation did Mary and Joseph use to get to Bethlehem? The answer is not a taxi cab. Jesus 4. Which Old Testament prophet had the most to say about the birth of Christ? 5. In the accounts announcing the birth of Christ (Matthew 1 and Luke 1 and 2) how many times did an angel or angels appear? 6. Who told Joseph the baby’s name was to be Jesus? 7. Can you list 5 names of Jesus found in the Bible? Some on my list are from Old Testament prophecies. 8. What are the meanings of the names Jesus and Emmanuel? Shepherds and Wise Men 9. The shepherds and the wise men went to see Jesus. Which group followed a star and which group went to find the baby because an angel told them where to look? 10. What did the angels sing to the shepherds? 11. When the shepherds went looking for Jesus, what was the sign they were to look for? 12. How many wise men or kings or magi came to see Jesus? 13. Matthew 2:8 says that Herod asked the wise men to inform him where the baby Jesus was. Why does this verse say he wanted to know? 14. How old was Jesus when the wise men found him? 15. What are the three gifts which are mentioned being given by the wise men?
Answers on Page 16
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If you would be interested in supporting The Ambassador as an Individual Sponsor ($20/month) please contact Seth Halpern at: editor@ambassadornewspaper.com or call 530-933-1385 or visit us online at www.ambassadornewspaper.com
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1............................... 2 PRAYERS Christmas.......
1 Faith 2 Hope 3 Love 4 Forgiveness 5 Mercy 6 Kindness 7 Generosity 8 Compassion 9 Joy 10 Salvation 11 Obedience 12 Life
Answers - Test Your Christmas
I Page 15
1. Caesar Augustus. He ordered the people to go back to the city of their forefathers. Joseph’s family was from Bethlehem. Luke 2:1. 2. False. As in the previous answer, they went not because an angel told them or because a star led them. They were obedient to the established governmental authority. 3 The Bible does not say how they went from Galilee to Bethlehem. It was an 80 mile
Father God, it is by Your grace we have been saved, and through our faith - this is not from ourselves, but a gift from you-not by our works. Ephesians 2:8-9
trip for them. It is likely that they rode some type of animal, but the Bible gives no
May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in Hope. Romans 15:4
side. But that is simply an artistic depiction. We don’t really know.
Help us to love because You first loved us. 1 John 4:19 Thank you for being faithful and just in forgiving us our sins and thus purifing us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Let us be merciful, just as our Father is merciful. Luke 6:36 Let us be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving eachother, just as through Jesus, You forgave us. Ephesians 4:32
details. It is commonly depicted that Mary rode a donkey while Joseph walked along 4. The book of Isaiah has much to say about the birth of the Savior. If you have ever heard the oratorio by George Handel called The Messiah, you have heard many direct quotes from the book of Isaiah concerning the birth of Christ. 5. At least 3 angelic announcements for the birth of Christ and 1 for the birth of John. For Christ an angel appeared before Mary and Joseph individually and a multitude of angels spoke to the shepherds. For John’s birth announcement in Luke 1 Gabriel appeared before John’s father to announce the birth of John the Baptist. Matthew 1:20-24; Luke 1:11-20; Luke 1:26-38; Luke 2:9-15. 6. An angel in Matthew 1:21. The Bible does not say that this was Gabriel; however, it
Let us be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, and to give the glory and thanks to you Lord. 2 Corinthians 9:11
is assumed to be him since he was the one specifically mentioned as the messenger to
Let us live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic and compassionate, love as brothers, and be humble. 1 Peter 3:8
7. Jesus, Emmanuel, the Christ, Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting
Let us be joyful in hope, patient in afflication, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 Thank you for providing Jesus who is the way, the truth, the life and the only way to You. John 14:6 Help us to not merely listen to Your Word, and so deceive ourselves. Help us do what it says. James 1:22-25
Thank you for coming that we may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
Mary and Zacharias in Luke 1. Father, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21, 23. 8. Jesus means Savior and Emmanuel means God with us. Jesus is the same name as the Old Testament name Joshua which also means Savior. Matthew 1:21, 23. 9. The shepherds followed the instructions of the angels in Luke 2:9-15. The wise men followed the star to find the place where Jesus was. Matthew 2:1, 2. 10. Technically angels are never said to “sing” in the Bible. Each time they appear they only speak. However, to answer the question, the angels praised God with these words: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14. 11. A baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2:12. 12. The Bible does not say how many wise men there were. Tradition says there were three because of the three gifts. There are even names given to the three wise men in different countries and cultures, but we don’t really know their names. It is also very likely there were many more than just three. 13. So that he could worship the child. But we know that his intentions were far from worship. Matthew 2:11-18. 14. It is certain that Jesus was somewhere between a month old and a couple of years old. The wise men saw His star at his birth and began following it. If the journey was 500 miles from Persia and Mesopotamia (around modern day Iraq) then it would have taken at least a month. By the time they arrived Jesus and His family had moved into a house. Later in the story Herod ordered all the children aged 2 years and younger to be killed. Therefore, Jesus was at least a month old and not yet 2 years old. Matthew 2:9-18. 15. Gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11.
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THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING by Jon Skillman It seems with each passing year Christmas veers more and more toward the secular. The emphasis is on gifts, shopping, shopping and more shopping. Santa, elves, reindeer, overdrawn checking accounts and smoking credit cards. Sadly, Christmas has become Giftmas. But this year my Christmas spirit has been renewed by two very precious gifts. The second precious gift is; The Gift of Life…a gift that just keeps on giving. This realization struck me during a rare moment of lucidity while pondering the birth of our great granddaughter. When I think about how this new, unique human being grew from the union of two cells, my mind simply boggles. I know that an algebraic formula of x and y chromosomes stamped her gender on her DNA blueprint and cells started dividing like nobody’s business building this new person. It is at this point things move beyond my understanding into the realm of God. For example; I can’t comprehend how these tiny little cells know when and where to grow little fingers…you know, fingers with bones, nerves, blood vessels, muscles, skin and topped with nails? Fingers that will soon be grasping at my nose. And how do these cells transform into eyes that open wide in wonder? How do they form the conduits
for thought, the paths to logic and the gateway to imagination? All I know is, a sweet and perfect little one has been fearfully and wonderfully knit together and born into this not so sweet nor perfect world. She is the continuation or the regeneration of the very life God breathed into Adam. In other words, the gift that keeps on giving. And although this life is just beginning in her, mine is near its end. And this is where the first precious gift of Christmas comes in. The first gift of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ. Even though my physical life here on earth is dwindling, He has given me the gift of life…a spiritual and eternal life that only comes through the grace of God, bought and paid for by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This gift is offered to everyone but if you don’t accept it…it is of no value. So what does all this mean? It means; to know the true joy of Christmas you must accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Accept His free gift of forgiveness and eternal life…for without it, you are without hope. To find the true meaning of Christmas, ask a Christian friend or a local Pastor how you can receive His free gift. There is a listing of some local churches in this newspaper. Come and accept Christ… the gift that keeps on giving. Enjoy a Very Merry Christmas!
EDITORIAL Born for a Purpose If you have read over this issue, you’ll notice one thing: CHRISTMAS!! I made a conscious decision to steer clear of politics and gloomy news for this issue. It was very tempting to talk about the daily sexual harassment/misconduct scandals, but the world and the devil will still be active come January. I felt impressed to simply focus on the most important birth of all time. We have previously published cover stories on the “War on Christmas” and other social and political issues having to do with our faith. This year, I felt we just need to celebrate. The War will continue, but for now let’s enjoy the goodness of the Lord and His Gift to us in the form of the One who came to save us. May the peace of God rest with you and your household as you lift your eyes and heart up to the only one who deserves the praise and worship. Look to Him this season and receive into your soul the most incredible, amazing, unfathomable act of sacrificial grace and mercy ever to be displayed. I know that talk of the sacrifice on the cross is usually reserved for springtime, but these two holidays (holy days) are more than related; they are in many ways, the same. We often
Seth Halpern - Editor
think of Christmas as the time for gifts and lights and trees and a cute little baby. While Easter (if it’s not eggs and bunnies) is about death and resurrection. We often forget that He was born to die. His purpose in coming to be “with us” is in order to be the sacrificial lamb and die in our place, pay the cost for our sin and make a way for us to come before the Father. We may not think of that when we see the baby in the manger, but God did. I pray that we would too this CHRISTmas! I pray that you and your loved ones would enjoy a blessed Christmas season as you “unwrap” and ponder this wonderful Gift!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Newcastle Yuba City
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ANSWERS: Name that Christmas Carol” 1. Deck The Halls / 2. Joy to the World / 3. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear / 4. Up On the Housetop / 5. O Christmas Tree / 6. Coventry Carol / 7. Ding Dong Merrily On High / 8. Jingle Bells / 9. We Three Kings of Orient Are / 10. What Child Is This / 11. Hark The Herald Angels Sing / 12. First Noel /
13. We Wish You a Merry Christmas / 14. I Saw Three Ships / 15. Oh Little Town of Bethlehem / 16. The Holly and the Ivy / 17. Silent Night / 18. Away In a Manger / 19. White Christmas / 20. O Come All Ye Faithful.
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All Star Trek fans are familiar with the phrase known as the Prime Directive. “Don’t interfere. Just Observe.” Many people in our nation have the impression that God operates in the same way, more or less. They believe that once He finished the creation of the universe and humanity itself, He simply stepped back into celestial anonymity and just watched. And you can see their point. After all, a lot of what we see happening around us might give some credence to that view of things. This is a crazy world these days. And in many ways, it might seem as if God is maintaining the same “Hands Off” policy as portrayed on Star Trek.
It had taken a long time, but God at long last was putting our troubled world on notice—there would be no hands-off policy in effect as far as He is concerned. On the contrary, an eternal plan was in the process of being unveiled in Bethlehem. And those shepherds were among the first to get a chance to lay their eyes on the living proof. The angel put it in very personal terms:
“There is born TO YOU this day…a Savior.”
Listen to the announcement made to the shepherds that first Christmas night…
Of course, the Good News wasn’t just for them. As the angel said, it was, “…good tidings of great joy which will be to ALL people.” It was for all of us. For you. For me. For anyone and everyone who is open to the message of a God who loved us enough to interfere. A God who refused to stand back and watch our world—and our lives—spin out of control. In dramatic fashion, He stepped in to come to our rescue.
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
The long night of uncertainty was finally over. It came to an end that night in Bethlehem. God not only cared; He cared enough to send His own beloved Son, Christ the Lord. The only possible answer for a world as broken as ours. Sent at great cost to God Himself. Sent specially for you. This is good news. There is none better. His interference is worth celebrating!
But if that really is the case, how do you explain Christmas? I mean the first Christmas.
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