HisGrace.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Christmas choice

Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

The glitter of bright decorations, the sound of joyous Christmas carols, the happy children, and the cheerful 'Merry Christmas' greetings sometimes give the impression that everybody is glad that Jesus came to our planet. But that isn't true today, and it never was.

The news of Jesus' birth evoked a mixed reaction. The wise men joyfully welcomed and worshipped the Saviour. But King Herod was so troubled when he heard about it that he tried to find and kill baby Jesus.

Most people, however, were unaware of the significance of what had happened. Still today, multitudes honour Jesus and rejoice in their salvation. But many others hate Him. They grumble about the singing of Christmas carols in shopping malls and the display of nativity scenes in public places. Others are apathetic. They go along with the celebration of the season. They may join in singing Christmas carols, but they never ask themselves who Jesus is or why He came. They don't think of their need to believe on Him and receive Him as their Saviour.

Are you among the indifferent?
To ignore Him and His claims is to reject Him.
Christmas demands a decision abour Christ.
The choice is yours.

- Herb Vander Lugt

What will you do with Jesus?
Neutral you cannot be;
Someday your heart will be asking,
'What will He do with me?'

If you make room for Jesus in your heart, He will make room for you in heaven.

Matthew 2:1-12

Wise Men from the East

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,

2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

6 ‘ But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

10:16 AM