Children, Family and Friends,

If I could give you any gift this Christmas, it would be to learn the voice of the Lord.  We should all be passionately pursuing this ability – “Seek and you will find.”  There is a place where God speaks to us intimately – “Knock and the door will be opened to you”.  God wants to give us this gift more than we want to receive it – “Ask and it will be given to you.”

John Eldredge, in Waking the Dead, puts it this way:

You don’t just leave sheep to find their way in the world. They are famous for getting lost, being attacked by wild animals, falling into some pit, and that is why they must stay close to the shepherd, follow his voice. And no shepherd could be called good unless he personally guided his flock through danger. But that is precisely what He promises to do. He wants to speak to you; He wants to lead you to good pasture. (Waking the Dead , 102–3)

As a stocking stuffer, let me share something I was reminded of this week: Christ is not just Jesus’ last name (like Streetman). In the Hebrew culture, all names mean something, and what “Christ” means should affect our celebration of His birth. The Father chose His Son’s name carefully. Little baby Jesus (“Jehovah saves”) was also named the Christ.

Christ means “Messiah”, “Anointed One”. He is the One anointed to reign. When the wise men came seeking Him, they came looking for a king. Herod killed every male child in Bethlehem because he was threatened by this King (even as a baby).

Jesus Christ humbled Himself to be born in this dangerous world… to be King!! And if you have bowed your knee to this Christ, and given your heart’s throne to Him, then THE GIFT IS HERE!!! If not, then today is the day of salvation; receive Him as your King and Savior. Join the celebration!!

Celebrating the birth of our King,

Rob