Christmas Tidings

"...she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:6,7)
Once a year, the world celebrates the birth of the King of Kings. Once a year, people search their hearts and look for ways to reach out and help others less fortunate. Once a year, we remember that without Jesus, we would have no future, no eternal life.
Wouldn't it be great if we could celebrate Jesus every day instead of just once a year? Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to reach out to those less fortunate every day? Wouldn't it be terrific to have the promise of eternal life every day?
We do. By accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we have all of these things and more. While the Christmas holiday itself is celebrated once a year, the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ is ours every day.
Promises are found throughout the Bible. "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)
Call on Jesus and make Him the center of your life today.

Fresh and New

What is he thinking? So small, so vulnerable, so adorable. What could be going through his little brain?

Is he thinking about his next meal or nap time? Perhaps he is wondering who is going to pick him up and cuddle him, smothering him in kisses. Maybe he is watching his big sister and wondering how long it will be before he can do what she is doing.

What must it be like to see everything fresh and new? Every day is a new learning experience when seen through "new" eyes.

We can have that same experience by reading our Bible every day and walking close to the Lord. He opens our eyes so that we see things from a fresh, new perspective.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5, New International Version)

Wow! We, too, can see through "fresh" eyes, much the same as a newborn baby, discovering the many wonders in the world around us. We can gain strength through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! We can learn to appreciate the "newness" we see all around us. We can grow to become the man or woman of God that he wants us to be.

Good News - Bad News - Sensational News

Unless you live in a cave, you cannot avoid the news. It's on television, radio, and you hear it from friends, family and co-workers. News about fires, floods, airplane crashes, murders, and so on. The media produces very little "good" news because the public loves the drama and wants to hear the sensational news stories.

Have you ever heard this lead-in on the evening news? "We start tonight with our top story we've been following for you today here on the News at 6. Jesus was born in a stable tonight and will bring peace and eternal life to all men."

Do you think this will hit the news? "Jesus was seen by every man, woman and child on earth today, as foretold in Revelation 1:7." Hmm, I wonder if that will be dramatic enough to appease the public desire for sensationalism.

We have the most sensational news on earth: the news of Jesus' soon return to take His people home. We are tasked with the responsibility to get this news out to the public. Jesus IS coming again, to rule the earth, to take us home....for eternity.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16, New International Version)

Let the light of Jesus shine in you and around you as you share the most glorious, sensational news of all.