Hey Kids!

Wow, December! Can you believe it? This is by far one of the best times of the year. I enjoy Thanksgiving through Christmas every year. It is a time to see family and friends that you may not have seen in a while, plus a time to sit back, enjoy the fireplace and remember the many holidays before this one.

Luke 2:8-12 says “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

The shepherds saw these angels and were terrified, wouldn’t you be terrified? But they were encouraged by the angels, don’t be afraid we bring good news of great joy... all of history has been waiting for this day… when God would become a man. The Old Testament talks about the messiah being called Emmanuel. This word means “God with us”. What an amazing promise. You know we think about the holidays as lots of food, time off of school and presents, presents, and more presents! But the world received this great promise that God would become a man and live with us. He would be an example to us of God’s love.

This promise is emphasized throughout the bible. Hebrews tells us of all the saints of old that waited for this great promise, yet died in faith still waiting. But they were people who the world was not worthy. They held to the promise of this better world and a place of hope found in Christ.

Hebrews 11:8-16 says “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. ¹⁴ People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. ¹⁵ If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. ¹⁶ Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”

Isn’t it cool how it says that God is preparing a city for them and Jesus said in the gospels He had to go to prepare a place for us in heaven? All of us love presents, but this Christmas lets reflect on the great promise we have from God of a better place that He is preparing for us.

Call or write to me if you have any thoughts or questions my number at church 385-0450.

Godspeed!

Pastor Casey

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