WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT--THANK YOU GOD, AND THANK YOU CHARLES SCHULZ!

WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT—THANK YOU GOD, AND THANK YOU CHARLES SCHULZ!

I was reminded today of how much I like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” while I was running an errand in the van. I was listening to Christmas music on KOST, Los Angeles, and the opening song “Oh Tannenbaum” came on the radio—if you are familiar with that jazz version. Before the musicians really get started, Charlie Brown asks a question, “Can someone tell me what Christmas is all about?” and either Lucy or Charlie’s little sister reads him the Christmas story, which I have repeated for you below, and then tells Charlie, “See Charlie, that’s what Christmas is all about.” If we could just believe this simple, but transformational truth, what a profound effect it would have on our lives. I am sure that those shepherds were never the same after experiencing the heavenly host! I invite you to experience that first Christmas with me this year as we remember the joy and wonder of God’s incredible Gift to mankind!

“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 to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests’ 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.” Luke 2:8-16 NIV

So let’s receive this free gift from God! The angel of the Lord says this good news of great joy is for ALL THE PEOPLE, but I wonder how many will truly believe that this really happened, and that this “good news of great joy” is for THEM? Begin today believing this great truth in the depths of your being, and ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2010 to you and all of your families from us and our family.

Mark Overt Skilbred