Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men

Over the past few weeks, I've shared the Christmas story with many people who have never heard it before. I found this to be pretty eye-opening for the sad state of my heart. My first thoughts, when sharing, concentrated on being understood and I wondered how anyone would believe me when there were so many things about the story that don't really make sense. It felt like I was simply explaining random facts to an old song. Not to say the Christmas story is exactly like a fairy tale, but in a way, it can sound a lot like one when you are sharing about all the angels and such.

Thankfully, I told the story to children. Children love stories and have little problem with fantastic details. In fact, they are usually fascinated with the most unbelievable parts. Isn't it true that most people enjoy fairy tales because they are too wonderful to imagine in real life? It seems like everyone wants to believe in the unbelievable; children are simply more open in their desire. Deep inside we want to believe in something fantastic. Maybe because we were made for faith.

As I continued to share with my classes I found the story taking a new shape in my mind. You know, the Christmas story is fairly mind-bending when you see it with new eyes. But its not so unrealistic as to make you turn away, its wonderfully, wall-implodingly, beautiful. Each part of the story is not randomly there, but a piece in the message God was sending to earth. I started thinking: Why all the angels? Why did he send shepherds as His first worshipers? Why bring the kings from afar? Why was He born in a world so desperate for a physical salvation, when His life has little to do with the liberation they expected?

Then I thought about the angels message:Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger...Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:10-14)This world teaches us that in order to get a message across or to bring about order, we have to be the loudest, the prettiest, or the strongest, and stomp over everyone to be the last standing. Isn't it interesting that peace came in such a humble state? "Peace on earth." Doesn't that seem a little hard to believe at times? That peace has actually already come?

All these thoughts brought me to the stiff realization that my heart was very slow in believing God's message of Christmas. Peace and joy are here. I hope this year you find your Christmas celebrations find out the state of your heart. May you receive the gifts of faith and peace!

(The amazing Nantou team of English Teachers)

Prayer:
-We are so thankful for how God has answered our prayers and brought many people into our lives who want to hear about the Bible.
-Praise God! My schools have been wonderfully receptive of the Gospel this Christmas season and they let me give the children tracts about Christmas. All the kids have been extremely attentive as I shared about Jesus.
-Pray for all those who are hearing the Gospel for the first time.
-Pray for our continued health and unity as a team, as we have many extra activities with our schools this month.
-Pray for the salvation of the Taiwanese people.

Merry Christmas!
Anna