Advent Calendar Day Sixteen

December 16th.

My children are excitedly counting down the days to Christmas.  With less than 10 boxes left, there is still more to tell in the Christmas Story...

Box #16 is loaded with bells to symbolize spreading the word of the Good News to others.

Luke 2:15-18

"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.'  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, the spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them."

The visit of the angel to the shepherds caused them to seek The One they heard about.  They searched for the child in the manger, and they found him!  After finding Jesus, they told others about Him. 

Finding Jesus has that affect on people.  Jesus changes the hearts and lives of individuals and those who find Him have an incredible urge to tell others about Him...to spread the Good News meant for all people. 

That's our call too.  To share Jesus and what He has done for us and in us.  How are you spreading the Good News this Christmas? 

Advent Calendar Day Fifteen

In Box #15 there are many gold "halos" representing the multitude of angels

Luke 2:13-14

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God ans saying, 'Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'"

Can you imagine what it would have been like?  The lowly shepherds were out in the fields at night.  Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared and spoke to them.  They were terrified but the angel spoke of the Good News which was nearby.  Then, the skies were filled with angels giving praise to God.  A life-changing experience! 

The shepherds got a glimpse of heaven, but soon they would meet the One who would provide the only way to get to heaven.  God's Good News had arrived for all men!

Advent Calendar Day Thirteen

In Box #13 the Good News is proclaimed to the shepherds.

Luke 2:8-11

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  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.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born for you; he is Christ the Lord.'"

In that tiny stable, the Prince of Peace was born.  The One who would make peace between God and man.  The One who would die in our place so we could live forever with God in eternity.  That's Good News.  News so good cannot be contained, it must be shared.  The shepherds were the first to hear the good news.