Weekly Chart Review
The Christmas Story...
As we settle into Christmas week, I thought it appropriate to step back from the newsletter and focus on a topic of substantially greater significance.
That, of course, is Christmas and what it means for believers and non-believers alike.
At its heart, Christmas is ultimately a story of hope, and hope not for one group of people, but for all of humanity.
I read a devotional recently that summed it up like this which I thought was perfect:
The original Christmas story is considered to be a source of hope for many people around the world. Christianity Today explains it this way: "When Jesus was born over 2000 years ago, his birth announced the rescue many people at the time had been longing for." The name Jesus actually means “God saves.” It comes from the Hebrew name Yeshua, which also means “to rescue.” It was believed that Jesus would come and rescue them from hopelessness.
Do you need hope right now?
My guess is that more than a handful of our readers are entering this week with a burden on their hearts.
For some, this will be the first Christmas without a loved one. For others, maybe you’re entering this Christmas week with burdens surrounding your health, finances, relationships, careers, etc.
Let me encourage you by saying that the same “rescue plan” that was sent to us 2000 years ago, in the birth of Jesus, is still available to you today.
We can have hope today because Jesus lived, died, and rose again and because He is our promise of eternal life.
How did the above message resonate with you today? Are you struggling with hope?
For some, you’re probably thinking: “I am a believer, but I’m still struggling with hope…”
For others, you might be thinking: “I want that hope, but I don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus…"
In either case, I would be happy to chat with you, and even more importantly, to pray for you.
Simply reply to this email with your name and how I can pray for you and know that it will be done.
The Christmas Story.
Luke 2:1-20
The Birth of Jesus
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 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.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
My prayer is that this story will fill you with hope today just as it did 2000 years ago.
Merry Christmas everyone and may this week be a blessing to you and your loved ones!
Take care,
Jim Colquitt
Thank you, Jim. I am thankful for the free gift of eternal life in Christ everyday.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.