December 24, 2021 – Click here to listen
I am most perplexed with the absence of truth in this world. The situation is not unique to today, even Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?”. We could ask the same question today and on occasion do. Some folks call the lies of politicians and the media fake news, others call it spin, but the net result is we don’t know what to believe.
I felt I was fairly insulated from it as I have quit devouring the news daily and have tried to bury myself in fishing and such. Recently I was telling a friend about a rather large tilefish I caught the other day and he pulled out his phone and showed me a photo for one that appeared huge.
Then he told me that he took the photo with his work boots in the background for comparison.
I immediately knew that was a fish tale because I don’t know of any man who wears girlie-looking white work boots, but I thought even if these were merely a child’s boots, this was a huge tilefish. I suspiciously remarked, “Those aren’t your work boots,” and he broke out hysterically laughing.
It turns out he had removed the boots of his granddaughter’s doll and laid them next to the fish which was merely an average size tilefish. It was all fake news. LOL! His ruse was temporary, and he laughed heartily as did I. There was no harm – no foul and it was all in good fun; however, the outright lies going out hourly worldwide is no laughing matter and does great harm to individuals and nations alike. If you are like me, you yearn for truth and love to find it wherever you can.
There is truth in creation. Jesus referred to Himself as being the way, the truth, and the life. Aren’t you glad He came to earth to redeem us and preach the truth even when His own life was in great peril from it? A little over 2000 years ago He was born to a virgin as prophesied in the Bible. Even those atheistic and agnostic scientists and historians know that Christ lived on this earth. Some may not believe in the virgin birth and some believe He was a prophet but refuse to believe He is the Messiah. Regardless of their personal beliefs and prejudices all but the most ignorant among us realize that Jesus walked the face of this earth as recorded in the Bible. There are so many prophecies fulfilled in His birth, ministry, death, and resurrection that it is statistically impossible to deny that He is indeed the Messiah. It is a truth that you can believe in this world of lies and cynicism
Tonight, many people are going to celebrate His birth with a candle-night vigil and service heralding His coming. The day we celebrate, Christmas, is arguably the most important day of the year to Christians worldwide. I have asked many friends to join us tonight at church but no takers. Most are caught up in the celebrations and gift swapping. Christmas is more than just a season for giving gifts, hanging festive decorations, spending time with relatives and friends, and enjoying delicious meals. It’s also an opportunity to express gratitude for the life of Jesus Christ.
Jesus loved us so much that He came down off His throne lived a perfect life and then offered Himself as a sacrifice on a cruel cross to atone for our sins. Isn’t it a shame that so many don’t even acknowledge His love for us at this special time of year?
Remember the reason for the season, my friends. At least take a few moments right now and thank Him for loving us so much and for being truth. We need Him so badly in this world I pray daily for Him to bring a revival on us and spread the truth of his love for us to every corner of the earth.
Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.