Trinity Lutheran Church - Town of Wilson

Christmas Greetings from the Jabs

Posted by on 6 December 2011 | 0 Comments

Christmas 2011

Greetings in the name of our Newborn King,

Each year as I begin my preparations for Christmas, I read once again the Christmas story.  As I found myself doing that this year, one thing stood out in my mind – how the people responded and reacted to the message.

In the gospel of Luke, we see the angel Gabriel coming to Mary.  Even though she was troubled at first, her response was that she was the Lord’s servant; may it be as the angel had said.  And after everything had happened, Luke tells us “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

We also see the shepherds – rugged people of the day who were used to living off the land and defending their sheep.  After the angels left them their response was:  “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  And later they “spread the word” and “returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen.”

If we turn to the gospel of Matthew, we find the same thing regarding the visit of the Magi.  They found the Babe of Bethlehem, bowed down and worshiped him, and offered their gifts.  And although we are not specifically told, most likely they returned home and spread the word about the Savior of the world just like the shepherds had done.

This year you and I once again have the privilege of traveling to Bethlehem.  As we arrive, we see the Babe of Bethlehem.  Having seen the Babe, may we look beyond the manger and know the purpose for which He came – to be our Savior King.  And then, like the shepherds, the Wise Men, and the angels of the first Christmas, may we join together in “glorifying and praising God for all the things we have heard and seen” both today and throughout the coming days.

God’s Christmas Blessings to you today and throughout 2012.

The Jabs family