Acts 20, Romans 1-4: We are in a city that still struggles with what Paul wrote about in Romans 1-4. It is a city bound by trying to fulfill the Law on their own. They wear long black robes, hats, long hair in the front. Each door way has a small box with scripture in it. We got here last night as they begin celebrating Hanukkah and in many of the windows the 2 candles were lit. Some are very devout religious people. They obey the laws of the Sabbath. But no matter how good they are if they break one of the laws through out their lifetime they have broken the all according to the Word and the wages or payment of that is death. Romans 3:23 says all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Jesus know we could not keep the law and the blood of sheep and goats was not enough to pay for our sin. So Jesus came. Today we will celebrate His coming in Bethlehem! My heart has hurt for the many people who live here in this land that is so precious but have totally missed the importance of it. They are much more concerned with their nationality than the Messiah that walked here. So close and yet so far!!!
I wonder if that is not how Paul felt. Did he too think, you cut your flesh but your hearts are still so far away? Did the people think that just by cutting the flesh they would be made right with God? As you begin lighting your Christmas lights and decorating with your manger scenes I challenge you to truly consider why you do it. If Jesus is not Lord, if He is not the reason for your celebration you are not any different than the people here. You are missing it too. If you are decorating in His honor, then honor Him with a whole heart. Treat others as He did. Share His good news. See the hurting and lost around you and meet their needs. Les and I wrote an Advent Journal a couple of years ago about how to reach out at Christmas. I am more convinced now than ever that this is what pleases the Father! Don’t miss Him in all of the pageantry. Meet Him at the manger and the cross.