hese are the words spoken to some shepherds who where out tending their flock.  Imagine being on the job and having such a grand announcement made to you.  The Bible says that these shepherds were frightened.

Christmas time is a time to remember the gift that God gave us in the form of this little baby.  The shepherds were simply conducting there life, just as you and I do.  Luke 2 verse 15 says that these shepherds said "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us".

As you are reminded, this Christmas, about the Savior who has been born unto us, ask yourself this question.  Have I ever gone to "see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us"?  Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?

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I have asked this question of many people that I have come to know over the years.  Many say this is a very personal question and that I have put them on the spot.  I would have to agree with that.  I would also have to say that this question is the most important question that has ever been asked of you.  

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As humans, we have a "way" that stands between ourselves and God.  It is a great gap.  This "way" is known as sin.  Romans 3:23 says: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".  That means me, and you.  Our sin falls short of us reaching God.  God does not sin and sin is against His nature.  That is why God sent His son Jesus Christ, this baby that we celebrate at Christmas time.  The first part of Romans 6:23 says:  "For the wages of sin is death,"  What type of death is God speaking of in this scripture?  If He were speaking of a physical death, wouldn't we all be dead by now?  God is speaking of an eternal death...Hell.  Now your saying, "OK, now you have put a real damper on my Christmas spirit talking about Hell".  Allow me to give you the good news.  The second part of Romans 6:23 says:  "but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  That's right, there is a way for forgiveness of sin, it is a free gift.  The gift is this baby, Jesus Christ.  Christ died on the cross as the way for us to have a life with him in Heaven when we die.  Christ bridges the gap of sin between God and us.  

Now many of you may say "well, I already go to church" or "I am trying real hard to be good".  Ephesians 2:8-9 says:  "For by grace you have been saved (from sin and eternal death) through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast".  You can not earn your way to heaven.  God offers eternal life as a gift.  

 

 For example, if I were to offer you this gift, what must you do?