responding to the angels

There are so many things happening in the Christmas story, and by the way, Christmas is one week from today. I love to look at, re-read, and take in ann the aspects of this story and the truth it brings to us and our world.

Within the story the angels show up several times to announce a birth, various aspects of Christmas. In each announcement there are different responses from the people who hear from God and meet the angels with the message from God.

As you read each announcement, take in the differences.

Matthew 1:24 NLT

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.

Luke 1:38 NLT

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.

Luke 1:18 NLT

Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”

Luke 2:15 NLT

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Three different responses to what God said through the angels.

Joseph believed God, changed his mind and married his future wife.

Mary was overwhelmed and believed God, becoming the earthly mother of Jesus.

Zechariah questioned God about the birth of his son, John the Baptist, and Zechariah couldn’t speak until after John was born.

The shepherds wanted to go see as soon as they heard the news, and they went to find Jesus.

Different responses, but don’t we all have different responses? Do we believe God and respond in faith? Or do we question and hesitate? The choice is ours. The closer we get to God or the more we listen, the more we see Him working.

Often we will question or even not believe? But God can be trusted.

Mary and Joseph had a wild ride, but they were blessed.

Zechariah was taught not to doubt and dealt with consequences, but his life showed others God was real.

The shepherds led many to believe and see Jesus, and their response amazed everyone.

May our response to Jesus increase our faith, help others meet Jesus and push all of us to get even closer to the Christmas story. Listen in. Tell others. Watch to see what God does next. God is speaking and might just use Angels to tell us a story that will change the world.

Have you heard of EDITH BURNS?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her. Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you ...

wash feet, sharing hope

John 13:4-5,14 NLT So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him… 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. Jesus set the example we follow. He served. He valued and gave value to others. That is why we choose to serve. For 18 years our church has shared an outreach called back2school, and for 16 of those years we have chosen to give students brand new shoes and socks as well as washing their feet. It is one of the most important parts of this event. Washing feet is a humbling experience where both the give and the receiver learn how to share some moments that might change their lives. Jesus said we should do this. See the verse above. Follow His example, do what He did, and give far more than you will ever know....

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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