GOD WITH US
Tomorrow night our local church will be going to sing carols, choruses and hymns in Trafalgar Square, London, England. This will be the fourth year running for us and it is an awesome opportunity to be able to witness to such a large audience in Central London about the goodness of God through song and conversation, in a place where any other time of the year such a visible witness would not be permitted.
Most of modern society recognise that the likelihood of Jesus being born at the time of year most of the world celebrate is highly unlikely or at best improbable. It is also noted by historians that the ancient Hebrew culture into which he was born did not even recognise or celebrate birthdays as such. Then there are the extras such as trees, mistletoe, Santa Claus, etc. which in an of themselves do not lend to recognition by popular society of having anything to do with the birth of the most influential human to walk this earth. Indeed many Christians would argue that why do we bother to even recognise this time at all!!!!
Allow me to share with you what those Christians who do actually enjoy this time of year get from sharing with others.
- The opportunity to share with the homeless the meaning of Emmanuel, God with Us
- The cheer from putting a smile on people's faces in a time where many are not joyful, are without family or are just depressed
- Being able to pray with those who would otherwise not give you the time of day
- The fulfilment of spreading the good news of Jesus through carol, chorus and song
- The follow up conversation of those who are glad that in song one is reminded of the faith they may have forgotten
- A reminder that Jesus did come to earth and is still working in their lives
God has a special way of using occasion to bring his message to people in the least expected places. Like Jesus did when he healed the lepers, publicans, prostitutes and the outcasts the Jewish society wanted nothing to do with. Like Paul did when he spoke with the pagan priests on Mars about God's goodness. Like the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus can turn on its head something, which on the face of it would appear unacceptable and make his point known.
This Christmas think not so much what you can receive but much more about what you can give. Like the Magi bringing gifts, we can share the gift to the world, whether in word, a smile, and a soup kitchen. For some of us maybe it is our one big opportunity to show another that Emmanuel, God is really with us. Stay blessed.
Tomorrow night our local church will be going to sing carols, choruses and hymns in Trafalgar Square, London, England. This will be the fourth year running for us and it is an awesome opportunity to be able to witness to such a large audience in Central London about the goodness of God through song and conversation, in a place where any other time of the year such a visible witness would not be permitted.
Most of modern society recognise that the likelihood of Jesus being born at the time of year most of the world celebrate is highly unlikely or at best improbable. It is also noted by historians that the ancient Hebrew culture into which he was born did not even recognise or celebrate birthdays as such. Then there are the extras such as trees, mistletoe, Santa Claus, etc. which in an of themselves do not lend to recognition by popular society of having anything to do with the birth of the most influential human to walk this earth. Indeed many Christians would argue that why do we bother to even recognise this time at all!!!!
Allow me to share with you what those Christians who do actually enjoy this time of year get from sharing with others.
- The opportunity to share with the homeless the meaning of Emmanuel, God with Us
- The cheer from putting a smile on people's faces in a time where many are not joyful, are without family or are just depressed
- Being able to pray with those who would otherwise not give you the time of day
- The fulfilment of spreading the good news of Jesus through carol, chorus and song
- The follow up conversation of those who are glad that in song one is reminded of the faith they may have forgotten
- A reminder that Jesus did come to earth and is still working in their lives
God has a special way of using occasion to bring his message to people in the least expected places. Like Jesus did when he healed the lepers, publicans, prostitutes and the outcasts the Jewish society wanted nothing to do with. Like Paul did when he spoke with the pagan priests on Mars about God's goodness. Like the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus can turn on its head something, which on the face of it would appear unacceptable and make his point known.
This Christmas think not so much what you can receive but much more about what you can give. Like the Magi bringing gifts, we can share the gift to the world, whether in word, a smile, and a soup kitchen. For some of us maybe it is our one big opportunity to show another that Emmanuel, God is really with us. Stay blessed.
