Merry Christmas Living Waters Church,
I was talking with my friend, Sandro, this week and he reminded me how the very first Christmas celebration, as recorded in the gospel of Luke 2:8-14 began with “a suddenly and ended with simply serving”.
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
As the shepherds opened their hearts to their “suddenly” it led them on a spiritual journey that took them to the manager to witness the recent birth of Jesus. How exciting it must have been to find themselves in the midst of all that God was doing. You and I long for our “suddenly”. God “suddenly” getting involved in the finest details of our lives and miraculously and mercifully delivering, saving, and providing, and from to time even re-writing our stories. Jesus still invites us to believe Him for a “suddenly”. You and I have many needs and carry great concerns. I am believing for God to miraculously break into the midst of your story and add a miraculous chapter. I encourage you, by faith, to ask God for greater things and see how God works out all things for your good.
What is seldom considered is how the story ends for the shepherds. Luke 2:30 says, “The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen”. What began with a “suddenly” ended up with “simply serving” back at their home. When God interrupted the lives of the shepherds it was to send them back to their home and vocation with faith and confidence that God’s plan would continue to unfold in the midst of their ordinary routines of life. God reminds us to believe for “suddenly” and to believe that He is with us as we faithfully walk it out.
The Solmes’ family wants to extend to you a “Merry Christmas and is wishing you God – filled New Year.” I have great anticipation as I join the pastoral team at Living Waters on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 and am looking forward to sharing during our communion service on Sunday, January 7, 2018. I am believing that we will see God work “suddenly, and in the midst of us simply serving” this coming year.
Sincerely,
Dave Solmes
Lead Pastor