RING THOSE CHRISTMAS BELLS!

LUKE 2: 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (NIV)

Today, all the bells in Heaven and in Christendom ring out the news, it is the birthday of the King, our Savior Jesus, the Messiah! What was written by the Apostles tells it all. It is ours to receive or to reject. My dear friends in Christ, please accept the marvelous gift of Salvation God has offered you through His son, Jesus. Glory be to God! Let us pray:

“Father God, it is your Holy day of joy and love! We kneel beside the humble manger of your son, the tiny baby, Jesus. He did not live in the palace we seek, or drive in luxury as we do, or store money in stone buildings rather than in the stomachs and hearts of those in need. All he ever did was show us your face and heart, God, and in so doing, he gave us life eternal! All he ever did . . . and what do we do? . . . very little. Forgive us Father when we so blindly see Christmas through the world’s eyes. May the candles of Advent and the Christ candle of today, shine your truth into our hearts that we may finally know the Christ of Christmas. May that awakened flame ignite the glowing love that never dies and only glows brighter when it is passed on to others. In the name of Jesus, your son, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.