IMTS Global

MEMORIAL - On a Personal Note: Do Not Be Afraid...

The briskness and chill of the air, the clear moonlit nights, and the occasional wisps of snowflakes remind us of the time of year we have entered. What a wondrous time it is as families prepare to spend much needed time together, children's faces are truly aglow and choruses of the Savior, previously banished as politically and socially incorrect just weeks earlier fill the streets with renewal. And what a tremendous opportunity we have, as believers, to reflect on the miracle that is Christmas, the incarnation of our Savior. You may well remember the story:

Luke 2:6-11
6	And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
7	And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8	And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night.
8	And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
10	And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people;
11	for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (NAS)

Can you imagine the excitement, the wonder, and the awe of that moment? It must have been spectacular. We're told that the shepherds were "terribly frightened", as well as we might expect. But notice the God's faithfulness. He doesn't leave them in this state; instead He immediately dispatches His angelic messenger to declare;

"...Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord..."

No my brothers and sisters, we are not to be afraid, but to rejoice for "Christ, the Messiah, has come". What a declaration! What a truth, and what a contradistinction to that which the world understands. The world would have its inhabitants griped in fear, bewildered, unsure of their origin, their purpose for existence and their destiny. Instead, we are to "not be afraid", we are to realize the "·good news of great joy". Paul, in his letter to the Philippian church reveals the foundation of this joy as he writes;

Phil 2:5-11
5	Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
6	who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7	but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
8	And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9	Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
10	that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth,
11	and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (NAS)

In like fashion, we are invited to come in abject humility to the cross, and receive new life. It begins by looking into the manger, beholding the Incarnate one, the Living God become flesh. It continues by recognizing His perfect, sinless life, the measuring stick established for sins demand. It than requires, as painful as it may be, that we behold our Savior beaten, bruised and crucified for our sins. Rejected by the Father because of His selfless acceptance of our sins, he provided our "way of salvation"; "...for born for you a Savior..."

So enjoy the wisps of snow, the briskness of the air and the choruses of "Silent Night", and "Joy to the World". Gather with family members and cherish each moment, but most importantly may this Christmas find you reflecting upon the true meaning of this season, and reaching out to the One whose birth we celebrate. "...Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy". In His Grace, Mercy And Peace - "Merry Christmas".

Coram Deo,

Jeff Ellis, Elder of Administration and Education