2012-12-13 - Extra! Extra!

Luke 2:17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. (NASB)

There was a time when this was the call of young folks selling newspapers. When there was something special in the news there was an "extra" edition to cover the event. A group of shepherds had the most incredulous tale to tell of angels filling the night sky announcing the birth of the long-promised Messiah in Bethlehem. I can imagine some scoffed while others stood awestruck. Messiah came as a baby? That's not how it's suppose to happen! Messiah is suppose to come as a King and save His people from their suffering. As much as some laughed and others wondered and walked away the shepherds told the tale. Others believed. The shepheards were there and they knew what they had seen and heard. God delivered His promise the way He wanted.

In the mid-1960's the late Charles Schultz was asked to put together a Christmas special. We all know it as A Charlie Brown Christmas_©. The majority of the network executives who saw the outlines and previews thought the show with its overtly religious message would be a flop. Nothing could be further from the truth. Schultz had to push to get his story out the way it was written. His conviction won and the Linus explained to Charlie Brown the meaning of Christmas.

We have the same story to tell of a baby in a manger and of a Savior who lives in our hearts. We have a world that will very often scoff. It doesn't make it any less true. Tell the story.

Grace & Peace,
Mike

jmhoskins@gmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org