PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS DECEMBER 14, 2009
ATTITUDES OF CHRISTMAS (Week Three)
This week, please consider the attitudes of the Wise Men and the Shepherds! First, let's think about the Wise Men. They were very educated men who studied astronomy and other fields of science of their time. They saw a different star appear in the heavens and concluded that it was a star of a King. With this knowledge they traveled on their long journey to find the King who they knew the star represented. They searched and searched until they came to Jerusalem. Then followed the star on to Bethlehem where they found the Christ Child. Matthew 2:10 says, "....the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed" and "when they saw the child they bowed and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, incense and myrrh."
What was the attitude of these very wise men? They were persistent in searching for King Jesus. They did not lose heart in their search. Then the Scripture said that they were overjoyed when they saw the star resting over the place where Jesus was! Are we persistent in our search for God's presence each day? Do we truly seek Him? And are we overjoyed when we come into His presence? What is our attitude about meeting Christ in Christmas?
The other group of people were the shepherds. They were poor people who tended animals. They probably were not well educated. But it was to this group of uneducated animal caretakers that God sent His angels to announce the birth of His Dear Son. Luke 2:8-20 tells us their wonderful story. What was their response when the angels appeared to them and said, "We bring you good news of great joy that will be to all people. Today is born a Savior.....!!" The angels told them not to be afraid and after they heard the angels' message they "hurried with great haste to find the Child" and then they immediately went and told everyone about this wonderful Child!!! They were not afraid to share the Good News!! They were excited and thrilled to be a part of God's plan.
It is very amazing that God included both the very educated wise men and the very uneducated shepherds to be a part of His story of the birth of His Son!! Then He included us all as the angels said, "We bring Good New of great joy that will be to ALL people" rich and poor alike! How there hearts must have burst with joy on that marvelous night!
Let us share with excitement the Christmas good news and joy this week as we go about our lives!! The world is trying to demand that we 'take Jesus out of Christmas', but let us stand firm and show forth our love and joy for Him as we go about our rushed lives. May our attitudes be ones that will glorify His Name.
Glory to God in the Highest,
Pastor Jack
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