Daily Devotional for Wednesday, December 23, 2009 Have you missed any of our devotionals? Remember they can be found in the Archive section of our Website
http://www.gospelines.com "Breaking News!" Christians will read these words anew in churches all over the world at Christmas Eve services this year: "An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified." Luke 2:9 Shepherds were in the fields doing what shepherds do. taking care of their sheep and talking among themselves about everything and nothing. One minute they were enjoying another peaceful night, eyelids half shut, and the next they were engulfed with a brilliant light as bright as the noonday sun. Imagine the chaotic scramble to defend themselves and their flock from what they presumed was an alien intruder looking to do them harm. A lot of translations will tone this verse down and miss the sudden majesty of its true meaning. I like what Richard Ritenbaugh said: "And BOOM! An angel of the Lord stood before them!" Luke says the shepherds were terrified. Suppose this had happened to you? While playing Santa at a local mall this season I see fear like that in two year old children every day. As they wait in line they show great bravado, waving and throwing kisses as they eagerly anticipate that first meeting with the old guy in red and white. But when they turn the corner and stand face to face with him, "BOOM!" The fear is unexpected but very real. Their parents tell me that Santa was all they had talked about for several days and they could hardly wait to visit with him. Sudden terror has a way of making mice out of men, shattering common sense as well as our sense of mission. But the shepherds overcame their fear when the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11) When the angel left them, they put away their slingshots and stones and spoke among themselves. "This isn't something you see every day," perhaps they thought aloud. So they hurried to find Mary and Joseph and the baby. But it is what they did next that is stunning. "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed." Luke 2:17-18 Shepherds were commonly despised by society for being ceremonially unclean. They had a reputation for being untrustworthy. a shepherd's testimony could not be used in a court of law. YET GOD CHOSE THEM TO BE THE VERY FIRST WITNESSES TO THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR! This past week I read in the newspaper that 70% of the population of the world is under some type of religious persecution, unable to worship God freely. In the United States, Christians are being shouted down by legislators who believe it is wrong to say "Merry Christmas" because it is offensive to some people. Children are counseled in our schools to avoid writing papers about their Christian experiences, and employers strictly enforce rules which allow freedom of expression by some religions but restrict Christians from celebrating their spiritual rights. Maybe we do need something to go "BOOM" in the night to frighten us out of our complacency. It won't be the religious leaders who will lead us back to the roots of our beliefs. no, it will be those shepherd-like common folk who, though despised by many, will find the courage to "spread the word concerning what had been told them about the child." Beloved, there is no better time than the Christmas Season to be restored to a courageous Christian lifestyle. Let us not be ashamed to say "Merry Christmas" and mean it. What a gift we celebrate! Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace To men on whom his favor rests! GospeLines Prayer: Father, may your Spirit burn a whole in my heart this Christmas season and make me passionate about my faith. Give me unusual courage to stand above my employer and political correctness to be unashamed of my Jesus. Yet, let the Breaking News of the message come forth as the Gospel of Peace and let your favor rest upon me for being obedient to Your Word. Amen and amen! O. Addison Gethers e-mail address [email protected] [email protected] twitter URL http//:twitter.com/OAddisonGethers Messenger contact window live/msn messenger: [email protected] aim: durangoadd64 skype: cowboys62 yahoo messenger: OADDISONGETHERS rs -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Deaf-Blind Inspirational Life Group" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/dbilg?hl=en.
