2010 - 11: Christmas is coming!

Christmas is coming! Time for parties, pageantry, and presents. It’s good to celebrate Christmas, but the real story is even more important than these things. To get the most out of it, take another look at:

a) The shepherds:

Sheep-herders had so little status at the time of Jesus’ birth. They weren't even deemed reliable enough to testify in court, yet God chose them to announce His Son's arrival.  They hurried off to find Jesus, then they in turn went out and told it to the world! Luke records: 'When they had seen Him, they spread the word' (Luke 2:17 NIV). Here's your answer to, 'Could God use someone like me?' You don't need to be a theology graduate or be polished and eloquent. Come to Jesus this Christmas, and then tell people what you've seen, heard, and the change He has made in your life.

b) Mary:

Luke writes 'Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart' (Luke 2:19). She wanted to understand what was taking place and how it related to her. And you need to do that too. Get off the Christmas merry-go-round and take the time to treasure what's important here, and what it means for you.

God became a man so that we, who are the children of men, might become the children of God. Amazing!

Adapted from Word for Today: read more messages like this at www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today