The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Luke 2:1-11, “Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.
2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 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 But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will 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.’”

The above eleven verses of Scripture contain all the essential truth needed for every person in the world to come to faith in the LORD Jesus Christ. I remember memorizing these verses when just a child. I do confess that at that time I knew very little of what I know of the LORD Jesus today. Yet, they were filling my mind and heart with truth that one day enabled me to believe and become a child of God.

Today is CHRISTMAS DAY! Throughout the world-at-large, many will be celebrating the birth of the Christ Child. Unfortunately, many more will celebrate without knowing the true value of the celebration for which the eleven verses were originally penned.

True Christian celebration has been hijacked by commercial enterprises. Even some churches, where you would expect to find and hear the message of salvation in Jesus, have abandoned the true message and replaced it with a secular celebration, replete with fun and food and gifts. Even Christ Himself has been largely replaced with Santa Claus, even in good Christian homes.

It is noteworthy that the first declaration of Jesus’ birth came to shepherds keeping watch over their sheep in the fields. Shepherds were on the lower ranks of human society. Perhaps they would more easily accept the greeting of angels regarding
the Christ-child. Subsequently, they left their sheep without protection and raced into the City of Bethlehem. Some things are just more important than others.

How does Jesus rate with you? Have you “left everything” and yielded yourself to Him? If you have, then this Day will exceed all celebratory activities except for Jesus! If you have not yielded yourself to Him, you have no idea how joyously important He is and how He can alter your life direction for eternity with Him!

“This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice
and be glad in it” (Psa. 118:24).

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom