A Word from Your Mission Strategist, Steve Laughman
“When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, ‘Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told to them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” (Luke 2:15-20)
The announcement from the angels must have come as quite a shock to the shepherds. Although the Messiah was to come someday, they had no idea it would be that night, nor did they ever expect to be the first to hear of His birth. However, when they heard, they eagerly followed the angels’ instructions. They hurried, and they proclaimed what they had seen and heard, not just to Mary and Joseph, but also to anyone who would listen. Imagine the joy they must have felt! My prayer is that we enter this Christmas season with that same sense of awe and wonder and that same sense of urgency.
No matter what you have experienced this year, you have a reason to celebrate. Some of you have been overwhelmed with loss this year. Others have sent children to college or the mission field or the military. Many in our church families have experienced anxiety, depression, and fear. But others have added children to their families or watched a dear friend come to Christ after years of praying for him or her. We have all rejoiced and mourned. God has been good through it all, because He is faithful. “We have seen and testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.” (1 John 4:14) This news alone is enough to celebrate!
This month, Marni and I complete our sixth year with the Centennial Association. Thank you for calling us here. Thank you for supporting the work the Lord has given us to do here. Thank you for being on mission with us to spread the Gospel throughout our communities. It is our joy to serve the Lord with you. We pray you have a joyful Christmas season and the news of our Savior’s birth is continually in your heart and on your lips.
