The Advent Calendar - Pt. 5

 

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God ^jin the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:8-14 ESV).

 

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” has been around long enough now that nearly everyone is familiar with the story. However, if you are not familiar it is the story of a grouchy, cave-dwelling creature, called the Grinch. He hates Christmas; his only companion is his unloved but loyal dog, Max. He resides on the snowy Mount Crumpit, located north of the town of Whoville, home of the warm-hearted Whos. From his cave, the Grinch can hear the noisy Christmas festivities that take place in Whoville. Continually annoyed, he devises a wicked scheme to steal their presents, trees, and Christmas food. As dawn arrives, the Grinch expects the Whos to let out bitter and sorrowful cries, but instead, much first to his shock and then to his rage, they sing a joyous Christmas song. This puzzles the Grinch, in addition to it angering him, till it dawns on him that "maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more" than just presents and feasting. With this realization, the Grinch's shrunken heart suddenly grows three sizes, and he returns to Whoville bringing back all the Whos’s belongings. The Grinch then participates in the Whos's Christmas feast.

 

Without a doubt, Christmas is to be a time of great joy.  On that first Christmas night, the angel announced to the shepherds “good news of a great joy.”  That announcement changed their lives forever.  They were filled with joy and wonder and praise. This Christmas – 2020 may be a time when you are tempted to think the devil, the original Grinch, the thief who comes only to steal and kill and destroy, has stolen those things from you.  If so, there is still time to get it back! Think about the angel’s announcement, “There has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” 

 

The Savior didn’t just come for the shepherds, he has come to save you as well. So many people are suffering with intense guilt over bad things they have done in the past.  Those things have all been washed away in the blood of Christ shed for you (cf. Acts 10:45). And, Jesus came to make sure you did not end with an empty promise. He has a purpose and a plan for you.  He wants to bring you joy and peace, regardless of your circumstances.  And, Jesus has come to save you from a hopeless future.  Everyone without God is without hope. No one comes to the Father without the Savior, Jesus Christ.  But now He has come, and we can really know Him personally, and we can be assured of His presence and provision while we live … and His heaven when we die.  Don’t let the devil steal from you and your Christmas time any longer!  The Savior has come, and He has come for you!