christianitychristmas2007
Christianity
Christmas 2007
Christmas 2007
Well, it’s Christmas again and a time for joy to the world.
Reading back 2000 years ago, we see the first Christmas was proclaimed by an angel.
And there were shepherds living out in the field nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night….and angel appeared, praising God saying
“GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND ON EARTH PEACE TO MEN ON WHOM HIS FAVOR RESTS.”
In our Thai context, this is indeed a strange scripture, because we could never see a ranch where sheep are kept in such a vast numbers. And in the outskirt of Bethlehem that night, it must be a strange night also for those shepherds working in the filed. They were in awed and amazed of what they saw and heard. It was Joy and Peace to them.
And this first noel the shepherds entertained did not only bring joy to them, it was meant for all from that very moment to the whole world.
Today my two twin boys went to school early as usual, not schooling but to celebrate the joyful time told by the angel that night. They have been excited for the whole week charging battery for the digital camera and preparing play costumes. They will reenact the scene, the night at the town 6 miles south of Jerusalem in Israel, to tell the good news.
Like those shepherds, we may be doing our daily chores, leading a monotonous routine work, or writing an essay to post. We may find peace when kids are not home or joy when thisisby.us pays. And these are only for short moments.
But it does not have to be so. “Peace” and “Joy” can be lasting and eternal. For that night in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. A savior demands no merit or sacrifice. He who is not a philosopher or religious leader, but provides salvation through faith.
Do not enjoy Christmas just for a day or two or three, for Christ was born for eternal peace and joy. If you still have not yet enjoyed such privilege, you can have it now. Simply bow your head down and say,
"Jesus, I love you and I want to have your eternal joy and peace in this Christmas day. In your name. Amen."
Have a very Merry Christmas of 2007.