The Birth of Jesus

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 the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:8-12 The greatest event in history has just happened! The Messiah had been born! For ages, the Jews had waited for this, and when it finally occurred, the announcement came to humble shepherds. The Good News about Jesus is that He comes to all, He comes to everyone, including the plain and the ordinary. He comes to anyone with a heart humble enough to accept Him. Whoever you are, whatever you do, you can have Jesus in your life by simply accepting this precious gift. Don't think you need any kind of extraordinary qualifications - He accepts you just as you are. Our challenge is to actually admit that we need Him and then to accept His gift. When someone gives you a present on Christmas day, we are certain to say "thank you" and let the giver know how much we appreciate the gift, lest we appear to be ungrateful. And we wouldn't dare to reject the gift. Even so, if by chance, we failed to give a gift in return, we feel rather sheepish and undeserving. And that is true of the gift of Jesus, as well. We didn't do anything to earn His gift. In fact, we have done much to warrant NOT receiving anything at all. Yet, God saw fit to give us His Son because He loves us. He loves us unconditionally. Accept His Gift today. Merry Christmas, J.H.