For God So Loved THE WORLD

2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

² (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
⁶ And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.
¹⁵ And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
¹⁶ And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
¹⁷ And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
¹⁸ And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.


Have you ever realized that the very first missionaries were actually the shepherds? "And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child" I always love the contrast between the shepherds and the wise men, and I am a die hard fan of the wise men being in my nativity scenes even though yes, we know, they didn't get there for quite some time afterward, and they never actually saw Jesus laying in a manger, but they knew He was the Christ. I think this pretty much exemplifies that God sent His son for ALL of us.


This week, there have been some very disturbing videos of racism being ever present in today's world, and not only racism, but judging others as not as good as someone else. I abhor this and just want to remind everyone I can, that God made every one of us, he didn't just do it haphazardly, he thought and put time and love into every person that walks this earth. When people treat others with disdain, just because of how they look, they are telling God they believe He made some people lessor. That breaks my heart.


I know there are many people in our community that basically live and work here and seriously don't know very many people, if any, from other cultures; but I have the privilege to work with people from several different countries and nationalities. I have some truly wonderful friends from all different backgrounds, and I feel like knowing them has made my life more complete.


I have made this request before, but will probably never stop making it as long as I live. The next time you think about judging someone, just don't. Remember instead that God made them and on top of everything else, God doesn't make mistakes so if He has put that person in your path, maybe He is giving you a chance to learn something, or do something remarkable.


Racism is not new, just as judging is not new (seeing as how God deemed it necessary back when the Bible was written to put in the Judge not verses). Back in the days when Jesus was born, a shepherd was among some of the least thought of people in the world, and yet, they were the ones chosen to be first to get a personal revelation about Christ's birth. Kinda puts into perspective how God perceived them, doesn't it? Likewise, many people look at people in a higher social stature as somehow not worthy as well, yet God made sure the wise men were notified, and they were led to the child as well. Both ends of the social spectrum, For God so loved THE WORLD that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not parish, but have everlasting life.


I hope you have a wonderful, beautiful, Merry Christmas. I have a challenge for everyone this week, and me as well. As you are out on your travels, shopping, eating out, or any other place you encounter stranger; instead of thinking anything judgmental, I ask that you say a little prayer for each person you come in contact with. It takes seconds to ask God for you to be a blessing to someone.


Merry Christmas!