The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Luke 2:6-14, “And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.

7 And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

10 And the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people;

11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 ‘And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.’

13 And suddenly there appeared 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 men with whom He is pleased.’”

It’s a terrible experience to travel far, been worn out, and then find that every place of rest had been taken. You have to settle for whatever you can get. That’s exactly what happened to Joseph and Mary. Only, with them it was worse because she was about to give birth to her first-born Son. A cattle stall was where they were quartered and the new-born Child was wrapped in strips of cloth and laid in the feeding trough. As there was no proper room for them, there is no room for Him in the hearts of many people today.

Interesting, too, is the fact that shepherds were keeping watch over sheep –sheep that were destined to be sacrifices in the Temple, a foreshadowing of the Child’s destiny as His Father’s own sacrifice for man’s sin.

The Angel of the LORD suddenly appeared and the shepherds were scared out of their wits! Yet, they were

calmed by the Angel, who brought them historic Good News of the Savior’s birth. The Angel gave them all the information they needed to find the Savior. So it is today. The Scriptures provide all the information one needs to come to know Him. That’s why Bible reading and study are so important.

Then a multitude of heavenly host appeared, praising God and declaring glory to Him! What all that heavenly host knew, we do not know. It was sufficient that they were praising the LORD for what they did know. We don’t have to know the reason for everything that transpires in our lives; we just need to keep praising the LORD, knowing that it is His will that the Earth He created might know peace –“peace, through the blood of His Cross” (Col. 1:20). So, don’t despair, whatever comes your way. Just trust that your Heavenly Faither knows, and that He is always doing what is best for you.

We love and pray for you all,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”