"...thou shalt call his name Jesus..."

Matthew 1:21

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

What an awesome privilege to be a part of God’s Church… the only entity on planet earth that has the answer for this conflicted world in which we live! In God’s Church, Jesus is not confined to seasonal songs and sermon series. He is the essence of all we do. He is the eternal and immutable sum and substance of what the church offers a lost world. There is no alternate plan. We dare not preach, teach, or do ministry in such a way as to direct the lost anywhere but, to Jesus. Acts 4:12 says, “Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved.” He is not one way among many ways, He is THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. The angel of the Lord said of Jesus: “…He shall save his people from their sins…” Jesus meets mans’ greatest need: salvation - rightness with God! He is our Healer, our Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, our Rock, and Refuge and Redeemer. What a mighty God we serve!

Today, on December 21, though the world is broken and divided… that name: “Jesus” brings an internal and eternal peace, even in the midst of pandemic and problems. Jesus remains real and relevant regardless of our status, station, or circumstance. “Jesus” there is something about that Name that brings calmness, in the midst of chaos and confidence, in the midst of confusion.

In a few days, Christmas will be but a memory. Our attention will quickly turn to a New Year and all that lies ahead of us. May it be our resolve, in the coming year, to look to Him, lean on Him and love Him as never before. “Jesus”… may He be the subject of our song, the object of our praise, and the meat of our message. “Jesus”… may we worship Him, walk with Him and work for His Kingdom purpose. “Jesus”… may we praise Him, preach Him, and prepare His Church for His coming.

Sharon and I extend to each of you a very blessed Christmas. May the joy and peace of His Presence be on you and your family throughout this sacred season.

For The Harvest,

Bob Wilburn