Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Sometimes “new” Gets Old


Like a mosquito to a bug zapper so also the common male is drawn to the promise of the “newest” digital deals. More pixels, brighter display, thinner, handier, 1080p, 1.21 gigawatts, and in a “new” color; I think I could go on and on.

After the Christmas season settles how long do those precious gadgets keep our attention?  Maybe your wife would wish not too long. :-)  In reality all she has to do is wait a couple months until the technological marvel loses its luster and we long for the next upcoming “new” thing.  You ever get disgusted at trying to stay on top of the “new”, the “latest”?

There is a message in the Bible that has withstood the test of time.  A message that has drawn the attention of kings (Matthew 2), inspired life long commitment to a cause (Mark 1:14-19), drawn crowds (Matthew 14:13-21), and even overwhelmed our innate desire for self-preservation to share a message no matter the cost (Acts 7).

The all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present, perfect in justice, perfect in mercy, perfect in love, creator God became one of his own creation and in the most humble of ways the God who has always existed was born.  I’m always looking for a different or interesting way to celebrate Christmas and the New Year but can think of no other way to improve on what some shepherds heard while out on the hill watching their sheep.  “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)  There are certainly some things that do not need to be new or improved and that endure longer than a new smart phone.

This New Year I encourage you to look over the Christmas story of Luke 2 and consider what parts of this story will apply to you in 2013?  How is God’s love not “new and improved” but still amazing?  What part of the miracle of the Christmas story will inspire you today? 

-Pastor Eric Hansen, Discipleship Pastor

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