But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Luke 2:10
The early church didn’t say, “Look what the world is coming to!” They said, “Look what has come into the world.”
Carl F. H. Henry as recounted by Brian Fikkert & Kelly M. Kapic in Becoming Whole: Why the Opposite of Poverty isn’t the American Dream (Chicago: Moody, 2019) 193.
Our pastor, James Hoxworth, opened the Christmas Eve service with this quote. He proceeded to remind us that Jesus came with three objectives.
Firstly, He came eating and drinking (Luke 7:34). He met ordinary people where they were at and enjoyed table fellowship with them. Don’t we all miss that during COVID.
Secondly, He came not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28). In so doing, He modeled the way of generous living, giving, serving, and loving for us.
Thirdly, He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). That includes everyone apart from Christ because our sins separate us from God.
So if you are saying because of COVID, “Look what the world is coming to!” Perhaps change your tune. Celebrate “Look what has come into the world” because in Him we have fellowship, life, and, salvation.
All praise be to our generous God! Look what has come into the world. Happy Christmas everyone!