Happy December!

Happy December

Luke 2:8-18 “In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.” NASB

Happy December! We have spent significant time truly praying this over you. December brings many things that can cause a wide range of emotions. For those who have experienced loss, the holidays can feel hurtful, even hollow if we are not careful to remain engaged with those who are near and dear to us. For those with overflowing schedules, December can be too hurried, more stressed than blessed. We must plan ahead or toss aside some of the earthly expectations in order to focus on what is essential and eternal. You may have even been tempted to skim or hurry through today’s Scriptures, thinking, “I’ve heard this before.” May I humbly suggest, even request that you find a still moment, take a deep breath and slowly reread the incredible passages above, taking time to visualize what it must have looked and felt like to the shepherds who thought it would just be another night tending their flocks out in the field?

It must have been quite glorious! I imagine their knees were probably knocking and bodies trembled as the angel spoke, “Do not be afraid.” They watched angels celebrate, “the good news of great joy which will be for all people,” hearing worship from heavenly voices. The shepherds quickly went to see what the angels had shared with them and then, “made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.” The shepherds told their great story, the “good news” that made all who heard WONDER. Thinking through the double definition of this great word, “wonder,” I am sure many were awed and amazed while others we stunned and puzzled; all may have been a little of both. Pause for a moment and “wonder” in the moment and majesty of Jesus emptying Himself and squeezing His glory into the human body of a baby. It provoked such wonder in heaven that it prompted a multitude of angels to come praise God in that field. Would you take a moment to pause and praise with them? Be a part of the wonder.

In this season of Christmas programs, parades and pageants, we are asking you to join us in praying for the Arts, Entertainment and Media. Pray that each of these great influencers will glorify God with their gifts, performances and reporting. Pray for truth to triumph and the “Good News” of Jesus to be spread across the stages and screens of America and around the world. Pray that their messages, like that of the shepherds, would bring wonder and turn minds and hearts to Jesus during this season and throughout the year.

I pray that you have a very happy December, and lest you fall to the nonsense that happy is just an earthly emotion based on chance I would direct you to the Greek word for “happy” found over 40 times in the New Testament. The word is, “makarios,” and it is translated, “blessed.” It is our eternal circumstance, today and forever, that we are happy, we are blessed because “God so loved the world that He gave us His one and only Son…” and that is why we must slow down and choose to celebrate with heavenly hosts. Pray and spread His glory throughout this happy season.

Serving Him with Gladness,

President

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