If Christmas never happened, part IV

If the very first Grinch, Satan, had been able to stop Christmas from coming; if he had thwarted God's plan . . . we've seen that there would probably be no celebrations. No redemption. No joy. 
Have you ever thought about the benefits of Christ and His followers on the world?

He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a person took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all the other seeds, but when it is fully grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32, NASB)

Before that first Christmas, the world was a cruel place. It was dark with the depravity of man. Everything that Jesus touched, He transformed. From individuals to families to cities, cultures, and nations.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (II Corinthians 5:17)

Our world is better, because Jesus came. Think of the things that have transformed our world because of Christ, His kingdom, and His followers. Medical care and hospitals came about because of Christian compassion. Education for all became a theme for believers. Compassion for all, and help for the poor, the needy, the orphaned, and the homeless. Government of the people, for the people, and by the people. Freedom for all races, the right of all to vote. Some of the greatest works of art are based on the Bible and on biblical beliefs. Justice systems, moral codes, and codes of ethics. Almost universal knowledge of the "Golden Rule."

Of course, we can find fault with Christianity, and with those who will abuse the name of our Savior. Many will do wrong in the name of Christianity. And there are still dark systems and depraved people in this world. 

But the positive contributions to mankind are undeniable! All because Jesus, our Savior, was born in Bethlehem. Men's hearts were changed, and by God's power, they set out to change the world.

Christmas happened!

And we have a reason to serve. The greatest work a person can be engaged in is the work of the Lord. Whether we are at school, at work, on the farm or the street corner, at the store or in church -- wherever we are in the mission field that God has blessed us with . . . . we have a calling. We have a Great Commission to go and tell the story of Jesus and His love. Because of Christmas, we can share the greatest love story of all time!

Because of all that God has done for us, can we do any less? God knows everything we have ever done - and loves us anyway. Let's tell others of a Savior Who cares and can change lives. Let's tell others of a Father who blesses us with hope, with love, and with joy.

The Grinch (Satan) couldn't stop it!

Christmas happened!

Praise God!