The Manger Was Only The Beginning

 "Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." - John 20:21

We all have a purpose and a mission. What is it? The same as God the Father gave to Jesus the Son.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me [Jesus], because he [God the Father] has anointed me [Jesus] to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." - Luke 4:18-19

First is to proclaim the Good News - the Gospel, that there is liberty for those who are enslaved by sin. Second, be a source of light to give sight to see the truth for those who have been blinded by Satan, the god of this world. Show people the Way to freedom from spiritual oppression. And fourth to proclaim that God has sent His Son to save us from our sins. 

"In their [those who are lost] case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." - 2 Corinthians 4:4

What! You didn't know that was your responsibility? Every Christian has been given that ministry. What's more - just like Jesus went to the cross and died, once for all - we are to pick up our crosses - dying to the world and our old nature (Matthew 16:24). Offering ourselves as living sacrifices to prove the good and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

What's more - we have been given the same ministry of reconciliation as Jesus was given.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation." - 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

As you celebrate the birth of Christ - remember that He was the "first born among many brothers (and sisters)"  

"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." - Romans 8:29

Understand that His birth was just the beginning. What He started we are to continue. We are not spectators in the stands nor are we to be satisfied with warming a bench (or pew) but to be players on the field. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone