Why the rush?
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger…they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” Luke 2:16-18
“Why the rush?!”
“Well, Pastor Brad, we’re less than a week out from Christmas!!! We have groceries to buy! Cookies to make! Presents to buy, wrap, return! Uncle Ed and Aunt Sue just announced they’re coming over and she’s made fruitcake again, and you know…”
I get it. While none of us love the rush this time of year, I do think we rush because we love. We’re rushing around because we love people, and this is such a great time of year to share that love.
I’ll bet the shepherds got a fair amount of “Hey, guys, why the rush?!” What do you think they said?
“Angels! Angels! Everywhere! Singing! Singing the most beautiful song! ‘Glory to God in the highest! Glory to God in the highest!’ And on earth…Peace! Peace on earth! Oh, you shoulda seen it!!!”
“Guys, guys, slow down!”
“Can’t! Gotta keep moving! We’ve seen Him. Just like the angels said! Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to us! The Messiah, the Lord! We saw the parents! It’s time! It’s all begun! He’s here! He’s here! Gotta spread the word!”
Wow! What a gift to be on the front lines of the “good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Who can blame them for their Christmas rush?!
As we turn our hearts and minds toward the manger this next week, I pray each of us will join with the shepherds in the spreading of the good news of the King of kings. That good news has the power to change lives for eternity! Romans 1:16 says the gospel “is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…” It’s for this reason each Christmas we put so much emphasis on our Christmas Eve worship services. We know people’s lives are changed forever when they hear the good news of Christ!
I pray you, your family, and friends will join us for one of our two Christmas Eve services (4PM & 7PM)! Together we will once again join the shepherds and be amazed at what has been told to us about this child.
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Brad