By Scott Johnson
A recent Gallup poll states that less than 20% of Americans can tell the story of Christmas--the story of Christmas Day. This is a sad testimony, if true, to our high-tech society which prides itself in gaining knowledge and wisdom. The greatest story ever told remains to be the story of Jesus, the story of his birth, his life, his death, and his resurrection. Songs of old written mostly over 100 years ago pretty much tell the story with passion, power, and perfection. Christmas carols of the 18th century still adorn the airwaves today and lift emotions with joy and happiness and peace. But, can you tell the story?
The Creche scenes have rightly displayed manger images of how Christmas night might have looked for nearly 2,000 years. These replications by man of that Holy Night incite non-believers to have them removed from the courthouse lawns and public squares. Yet, in great sadness and irony, some "believers" scoff at the notion that Christmas night happened that way! But, can you tell the story?
The first Noel, the angels did say
Unto certain poor shepherds in fields where they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from country far
To seek for a king was their intent
And follow that star wherever it went
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
The star drew nigh to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took it's rest
And there it did most up and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
Christmas Day is the story of the birth of the KING of King--and kings came from afar, traveling exactly 2 years, bearing gifts only a king could give, representing all the nations on earth from Shem, Ham and Jaepeth, and entering Bethlehem on Christmas night to honor the newborn King.
Christmas Day is the story of the birth of the LAMB of God--and shepherds left their flocks at night and hurried to Bethlehem to see the newborn Lamb whose blood will be the flow of crimson to make man white as snow.
Christmas Day is the story of the birth of the SHEPHERD of men--the Great Shepherd and Bishop of our souls-- And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, we shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Tell the story of the King of kings, the Lamb of God, The Shepherd of souls, the Bread of Life, the Redeemer of man, the Savior by grace, the Creator of all, the Lord Incarnate, the Great I AM!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Scott and Jane Johnson minister with East Faulkner Church of Christ and BRG Bible. Bible questions can be sent to [email protected]