First Words 12-5-22

"Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which

was told them concerning this child."

(Luke 2:17)

Have you seen Him? Certainly not with the natural eye.... but nevertheless.... Have you seen Him? Perhaps a better question is HOW do you see Him? As we enter the Christmas season the truth of God sending His Son, Jesus to be the Savior of the world is all around us. Not everyone that puts up a Christmas tree, sends cards, sings carols and gives gifts sees Jesus as their Savior

Many people believe in Jesus in the same way they believe in some historical figure that lived in the distant past. Some see Jesus as a religious reformer of His day while others view Him as a great prophet and teacher. Across this world there are those who see Jesus merely as one way among many ways to God. Multiplied thousands see Jesus and look to Him as a helper and a source of blessing yet fail to see Him as Savior. The reason this is so crucial is that it is not our trust in Him as a helper, blesser or source of blessing that brings salvation--it is our faith and trust in Him as Savior-our trust in His shed Blood as the payment of our sin.

The question remains...How do you see Him? I cannot answer for you, but I can tell you how I see Him. I see Him as my Savior, Redeemer and the Ransom paid for my sins. I see Him as my Rock and my Refuge and the One in Whom and on Whom I rest. I see Him as my Hope-my only Hope in this life and the life to come. I see Him as the One that loves me when I am right and loves me when I am wrong. I see Him as a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother and as my very present help in time of need. For every pastor, teacher, youth pastor and children’s pastor-our message must be clear: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!

After the shepherds “had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this child”. It is incumbent upon every Christian “to make Him known”. How this world needs us to make Jesus known! It is the mandate, message, and mission of the Church.

As we enter the 2022 Christmas Season opportunities abound to make Him known. We must not become so consumed-so preoccupied with preparing for Christmas that we miss the opportunities to make Him known. May the Holy Spirit help us to be on high alert and extra sensitive to the needs of people as we move through this very sacred season.