Don’t Miss The Message For The Buzz

To The Reader’s Forum:

There’s a buzz going around over the rare appearance of the “Bethlehem star” in the night sky since December 21. Whether or not it was Jupiter and Saturn in brilliant alignment over Bethlehem during the days of Jesus’ birth is unknown, but that star, whatever it was, indicated a greater phenomena than a spectacular astrological rarity. The mystery traces back long ago to the arduous journey through the wilderness by the Israelites when a messianic prophecy about one in their midst would be the metaphorical star out of Jacob (Numbers 24: 17).

“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” is a favorite among many, yet it’s possible to hear the bells ringing that day without hearing the gospel. Hearing bells, but not the gospel, misses the point of Christmas altogether. The stakes are too high to miss, turn off or ignore the message of the gospel. The message may come from a most unexpected source. I was shocked to hear that clear uncluttered message out of mouth of a man misunderstood, maligned and despised. Even so, he stated the message of Christmas better than others who occupied the same position as him.

He said, “For Christians, this is a joyous time to remember God’s greatest gift to the world. More than two thousand years ago, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. He said, ‘Do not be afraid, you have found favor with God.’ The angel told her that she would give birth to a baby boy, Jesus, who would be called the Son of the Most High. Nine months later, Christ was born in the town of Bethlehem. The Son of God came into the world in a humble stable.

As Christians everywhere know, the birth of our Lord and Savior changed history forever. At Christmas, we give thanks to God and that God sent his only Son to die for us and to offer everlasting peace to all humanity… His Divine word still fills our hearts with hope and faith. And, Christians everywhere still strive to live by Jesus’ timeless commandment to his disciples, ‘Love one another.’

Above all, during the sacred season, our souls are full of thanks and praise for Almighty God for sending us Christ His Son to redeem the world… And, we pray that He will grant every American family a Christmas season full of joy, hope, and peace… Merry Christmas to all and best wishes for a very, very great and happy new year.” Thank you, President Trump, for not being ashamed to say “Merry Christmas” and above all, not being ashamed of what Christmas is truly about.

The Rev. Mel McGinnis

Frewsburg