“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season…”
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
Midweek greetings, Centennial. Y’all might be like me right now—STUFFED! Thanksgiving has come and gone. Much turkey was eaten. More sides and desserts were consumed. Even more left overs have been gobbled up. And now it’s December!
We have fully transitioned into the “holiday” season, and God is at work in the world! No matter how many “happy holidays” signs, “seasons greetings” cards, or massive-super-mega superstore sales there are, Christmas is still happening! Like usual, there is always an attempt to do away with the deep Christian truths of the Bible, but God is not so easily swept away! For instance, whether people realize it or not, those wonderful “holiday” tunes that start up around now (everywhere!) sometimes have absolute Christian meaning, heritage, and truth.
Do the shopping challenge this year. If you’re like me, you’ve yet to do the majority of your Christmas shopping (don’t tell Rebekah). So when you go out on the town, listen to the music! You’ll be surprised at how many true to form capital “C” Christmas Carols you hear. Jesus’ name and the message of the Gospel can be heard in giant stores, and everyone will be humming along to the song!
The story of Jesus Christ’s birth is all of a sudden in season! People are familiar with those lovely “stories.” People are familiar with those lovely “songs.” But more than familiarity, people are more receptive to these things. God works in times like this. Don’t be ashamed to bring up the story of Jesus’ birth—of how God came down to earth, took on flesh, and all for the purpose of saving us! It’s the good news, and it’s in season! Merry Christmas!