As the years roll by, this past April was a milestone, 50 years old. That means if the statistics are right, I have lived more than half my life on this earth. Depending on genetics, lifestyle, healthy eating and exercise, the professionals can give you a best case guesstimate for your years on this earth. Let’s just say, for argument sake, I have a projected life span to 94 years of age, that is, 44 more years to go. Let’s say that I am taken earlier, let’s say at 84, then that is only 34 more years to go. In this short span of life (that is left), I have simply that much time to share the gospel, to love the lost and to leave a legacy with my family.
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Luke 2 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Birth of Jesus Christ
2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed,[b] who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.[c]
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”[d]
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
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Let me put my thoughts here in perspective. This year has kind of run away from me. I have not been able to reflect and to put things in proper prospective: God sent His only Son (Jesus Christ) to this earth to save me. Born of a virgin and lived a life on this earth for 33 years. Was maligned, beaten and tortured and crucified as an innocent man. He took our punishment (to burn in Hell for our sin against God. God loved us so much that He gave us a way to escape this inevitable judgement: His Son for our sins. The perfect sacrifice, the lamb of God. Upon his death, with some critics cursing and spitting on him, He prayed for His Father, God, to forgive them for they know not what they have done.
As I write these things, my life is humbled by the overwhelming love poured out over Calvary for my sins. As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us ask ourselves what God has done for us. Who is Jesus in each and every one of our lives and how do we give thanks to God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and His Holy Spirit that dwells in each one of us who are born again…
As for me and my house, THIS CHRISTMAS, we will choose to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!!!
From Legacydads, we want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
Blessings,
Legacydads
