Read Matthew 1:18-25. Whose job is it to share the Word of God? If you belong to a Salvation Army corps or church, you might answer the Officer or the Minister. But if we leave it to those who are spiritual leaders – even though many of them have studied God’s Word professionally – then 99 per cent. of the world’s population will never hear it!
The story of Mary and Joseph shows us that God’s Word is being given back to ordinary people. The angel didn’t visit the religious leaders to proclaim the Messiah’s birth. He came to a poor, uneducated teenage girl, her poor, uneducated teenage fiancé and to poor, uneducated shepherds. Even the Magi, whilst educated were foreign sorcerers – “outsiders” for sure!
The Word of God is for everyone! You can read it. You can ask questions about it. You can discuss it. You can wrestle with it. You can share it. It doesn’t belong to employees of the religious system like me. It belongs to all.
As we come towards Christmas Day, and you read the old, traditional Christmas readings once more, take the opportunity to read them with freedom. Listen, learn, and grow. Then share the good news with someone else.
THINK IT OVER
Think about the following:
•What simple message from the Gospel might you be missing?
