Christmas ’20

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Luke 2:12, “And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Remember the manger is a sign – only a sign.  Let’s not worship the sign.

The real issue is the message – the thing to grasp is the announcement of salvation in Jesus.

Luke 2:10-11, Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

For those truly saved, it is a message that should bring GREAT JOY – thus “Merry Christmas!”

A friend of the Wombachers’ and Buttermores’ is 94 year-old Dean Thompson of Flats, NE – a town today that is non-existent (northwest of North Platte about 60 miles).  Dean ranched just west of there and yet lives there as a widower.  He weekly writes a 900 word piece for the area newspaper, the Arthur Enterprise (Arthur is due north of Ogallala).  The following is part of the poem he wrote for this week’s edition.  May his words bless you and move you to greater worship.

But, my friends, it is Christmas, and despite all that might happen,
No matter your thoughts ‘bout the Baby, He won’t be caught ‘nappin’!
We say it’s His birthday, that shepherds found Him in a shed,
And those on the ‘far left’ might proclaim, “Christ is Dead”
But I know what I’m saying, join me on the ‘right’,
Forget all the turmoil, if just for one night.
Forget all the confusion that the modern world gives,
Say with me, “He was born and I know He still lives!”
So let’s forget for a while what would try to distract us,
Anything that might interfere with a glad “Merry Christmas!”
Let’s accept with grateful hearts the one true Christmas gift,
Discard what tends to drag you down and grab all that tends to lift!
Believe with every thankful soul that God has sent His Son,
As you look out at our Sin Sick world just pray, “Thy Will Be Done”!
For “Unto us a Child is born” nothing should take our JOY away,
He came to bring a joyful life, a Blessed Christmas Day!
Yes, I know the writing’s lousy, but you can bet the thought is true,
And even though I’ve mixed my words, I wish the best for you!
Pray the prayer that’s always answered, “May Thy Perfect will be Done!”
And then accept, with gratitude, the wishes of “The Son”!
If you didn’t get my Christmas card, imagine this is IT.
Like most of what I write, the message may not fit –
But – Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Blessings and Love!
It all comes through me from ‘the Father up above!’ 

Again – MERRY CHRISTMAS!  for the Lord has come to save us from our sins!