What do the angels’ words matter to you?

December is here. The birthday of the Christ, God in the flesh, approaches. Schedules are busy with shopping, cards, concerts, parties. Sometimes we must choose what to do, what to attend. Circumstances and schedules can impair our focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Here is the message from God, our Creator and Savior, to you and me:

Luke 2:⁸And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. ¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ¹²And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

What do the angel’s words of fear matter to you?

Fear = distressing emotion aroused by a sense of danger

What do the angel’s words of good tidings matter to you?

Good tidings = morally excellent information

What do the angel’s words of joy matter to you?

Joy = great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good

What do the angel’s words of unto you matter to you?

Unto you =specifically given to you

What do the angel’s words of Savior matter to you?

Savior = one who rescues or delivers

What do the angel’s words of swaddling clothes matter to you?

Swaddling clothes =long, narrow strips of cloth

What do the angel’s words of manger matter to you?

Manger =box or trough in a stable or barn from which animals would eat

What do the angels’ words of peace matter to you?

Peace =mutual harmony in relationship

What do the angels’ words of good will matter to you?

Good will = kindness

Our focus = Hebrews 12:¹Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Our challenge = Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you, has uniquely designed and created only one you, has a good plan for your life, runs with you and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti