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An Open Door
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But 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[a] the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 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 at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:1-20
As we Christian prepare for this holy holiday, Christmas and the birth of our Savior, we have a unique opportunity that only comes once per year. Thanks to the wonder of mass media and computers, the entire world knows the Christmas season. Children in almost every country celebrate some sort of incarnation of Santa Claus. They wait with anticipation for the arrival of toys, gifts, food and celebration with their families and friends.
We have a rare open door to reach the world at this season. The Truth of the Gospel can be spread around the world in a special way this time of the year. People who don’t know the reason for the season still hear the carols and yearn for “peace on earth and goodwill to men.” Hearts seem to be tender as people long for the Christmases of the past. In those times loved ones were near and life seemed to make sense. We should be prepared and willing to invite everyone around us, especially those who are lonely, forgotten, non-church goers to come and experience the greatest gift of all time.
Use this season wisely. Be extra sensitive to the people you come in contact with this Christmas. Use this time to visit a shut-in, a nursing home, take a single mom shopping. Sit with someone who is in the hospital or volunteer for hospice. Take the time to open you Bible and read the Christmas story in Luke 2 to a child who just watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas” for the umpteenth time. You just might be giving someone the Gift of all gifts, the gift of Jesus Christ.
The Word of God tells us that God knows our deeds. “Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut” Revelations 3:8a.
Do not be afraid to go through the door this Christmas. The ultimate gift waits just inside.
Prayer: Lord, when you knock, let us know and open the door for you. Help us to see this open you have for us to reach the world. In your name. Amen.
Lorraine Simpson
Member
First Baptist Church Canon City
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