Message from Pastor Leo

December 1, 2009

2000 years ago an event changed history and separated time. Jesus the Christ the Lord, the Messiah was born in Bethlehem. When we read the Christmas story from the Bible, there are at least three ways in which we can respond to Him and how it will affect our lives!

One response was given by the innkeeper when Mary and Joseph wanted to find a room where the Child could be born. The innkeeper was not hostile; he was not opposed to them, but his inn was crowded; his hands were full; his mind was preoccupied.

This is the answer that millions are giving today. Like a Bethlehem innkeeper, they cannot find room for Christ. All the accommodations in their hearts are already taken up by other crowded interests. Their response is not atheism. It is not defiance. It is preoccupation and the feeling of being able to get on reasonably well without God and His will for their life.

Another response was given by King Herod. His answer was one of hostility. In his raging jealousy, when Herod heard that a King had been born, he said, "Destroy Him! Let Him die while He is still in His cradle."

This answer grew and swelled until one day it became a mad mob's terrifying roar: "Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him."

In many parts of the world, this cry is still being shouted. The world objects to the Messiah. If He would remain a gentle and mild Jesus, that would be all right; there is no danger there. Or if He remained a philosopher, or if we could put Him up in a stained-glass window and He would never come down to trouble us, then that would be all right. But a reigning Christ, a life-changing Christ--that is what is unacceptable to millions of people. That is a menace to their way of life. It strikes at the roots of their independence and self desires!

But another response was totally different. It came from an old priest in the Temple by the name of Simeon. He took the Christ Child in his arms and said, "My eyes have seen your salvation."

Simeon's answer was the response of commitment. This is the response I pray you will make.
How are you viewing Him? Are you like the innkeeper just fitting Him in where it’s convenient? Are you letting the things of this life crowd Him out by not giving room for Him in your heart? Or maybe you're hostile to God like a Herod! May I ask why? God loves you! God has only the best things for you, now and for eternity. Jesus said, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life." The innkeeper, Herod or Simeon's response! Which one are you? All of us fit in one of these categories!

If you have not asked the Lord Jesus into your heart I ask you to do it right now. Don't put off another second of experiencing the affect of love and forgiveness He will have on your life!