gospel/grace/goodnews year

Saturday December 31st, Luke 2: 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. When the shepherds had seen him (the baby Jesus, the Messiah, Emmanuel) they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. Seems like the proper response. Have you ever come across something so wonderful you just had to share it with someone else? I’m getting married, We are having a baby, did I show you the pictures of my grandchild, the packers won the super bowl. OK maybe not that last one (coming from Wisconsin we consider it common place). But on second thought, even though we might consider it common place, we still tell. Salvation coming into the world, reconciling all of humanity to God and giving the gift of eternal life…… is that too common to tell? I think not. It is time to shout it from the roof tops. As you go into the new year, get yourself revved up to make 2012 the year you pull out the pictures of the grandkids And tell others about this one who came to save and then invite them to your church. Make 2012 the year for the gospel/grace/goodnews churches to take control of the message of the Messiah who was born for all people, accepts all people, loves all people, forgives all people, and brings the gift of eternal life to all people. Happy New Year.