You were probably expecting that phrase to be followed by, “These are the days of our lives”. After thousands of episodes since 1965 many have heard those words during the afternoon hours. By the way, though I don’t watch soap operas, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that Bo and Hope are still alive and well in Salem in 2012! How is it possible to look that good after all these years? Anyway, I digress. Even though no one said it as well as MacDonald Carey, we all experience life. Christmas 2011 has come and gone and all that remains is the reflection and of course, the clean up. The wrapping paper strewn about the tree, the kitchen and dining room all cluttered up and of course the Christmas tree. Now when it comes to the Christmas tree in our family, we are taker downers as opposed to leaver uppers. So we pull out the boxes and begin to carefully place the ornaments and decorations inside to await their re-appearance next Christmas season. Now whether you’re a taker downer or a leaver upper let me encourage you when you do pack away your Yuletide reminders, don’t pack away Jesus also! So let me encourage you as you begin your after Christmas clean up and prepare to begin a new year to keep these three things in mind when it comes to Jesus. First, don’t pack him away. Jesus is a year round gift. In fact the Birth of Jesus in the manger points us to the redeeming work of Christ on Calvary. Secondly, don’t mark him down. Funny isn’t it how that the value of gifts decrease after the holidays. That pair of gloves is now 50% off, the toy you paid full price for is now 60% off. And of course the Christmas decorations that you needed after thanksgiving are now a whopping 75% off! Please don’t let that happen with Jesus in your life. The timeless Gift God gave to us in his Son is priceless and not to be taken lightly. Don’t cheapen the Lord by the way you live your life. And lastly don’t forget he exists. It can be rather comical when the primary things are made secondary. Victor Borge told about a couple going on vacation, standing in line waiting to check their bags at the airline counter. The husband said to the wife, "I wish we had brought the piano." The wife said, "Why? We've got sixteen bags already!" The husband said, "Yes, I know-- but the tickets are on the piano!" Leaving Jesus out of your entire year is just as hard as trying to hammer without a nail, cook without heat and of course fly without a ticket.
I was singing an old song recently that if I remember correctly was inspired by, would you believe it, John Wayne! It was said that the he was talking to a good friend of his by the name of Stuart Hamblen. Something the Duke said inspired Hamblen to write these words, “It is no secret what God can do, What He's done for others, He'll do for you, With arms wide open, He'll pardon you, It is no secret what God can do.” What an incredible thought as we prepare to journey from one year to the next don’t you think? To be reminded that it’s not a secret is what stands out to me. The wonderful Grace of God is extended to everyone, and for everyone to know. From the testimony of the shepherds to you and I today, what we know, we are to tell. Listen to the verses of Hamblen’s song, “The chimes of time ring out the news, another day is through, someone slipped and fell. Was that someone you? You may have longed for added strength, your courage to renew
Do not be disheartened, for I have news for you. There is no night for in His light, you never walk alone. Always feel at home, wherever you may go. There is no power can conquer you, While God is on your side, Take Him at His promise, don’t run away and hide. It is no secret what God can do, What He's done for others, He'll do for you. With arms wide open, He'll pardon you, It is no secret what God can do” What a song! What a message for that matter! There is another interesting side note to that tune. It was said that a dear saint who met Stuart Hamblen remarked, “Mr. Hamblen, you didn’t write that song, you just got to hold the pen!” I love that! What a truth that is. The good news of the gospel is not and was not our invention; we simply get to share the story. So with Christmas over and a new year before us, may we endeavor to share the best-kept secret that the world has ever known! Paul reminded us in the letter he wrote to a church in Corinth, “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” And Jesus mandate to every Christ Follower is clear, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” As the world turns, as years begin and end and as we each journey on through our lives we have our marching orders do we not? Tell the story, live the story, and whatever you do, don’t keep it a secret. It is no secret what God can do, if we’ll just let him. Happy New Year!
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