I read this today and it mentioned Roswell Street Baptist so I wanted to post it – what a heart warming story as we all endure the commercialism of this time of year. I hope it will reiterate with you the real meaning of Christmas!
By Keith Williamson Special to the Sentinel
A friend of mine asked me last week if I thought Christ is pleased with connecting all the commercialism and indulgences of the Christmas season with his birthday. After a few minutes of thought, I told her this true story before giving my answer. I would like to share it with you.
During my first Christmas as a faithful church member, my Sunday School class at Roswell Street Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia went caroling to visit some of the people in our church who were not able to attend regular services. We were all singles in our twenties. There were 20 to 30 of us.
We went to visit a lady who was in her nineties and gathered in her living room. She was not able to get there without help, so her daughter held her by the arm and brought her from her bedroom.
As we sang our first song she became emotional and began to cry. After a few minutes she held up her arm and wanted to say something. We stopped singing and began to listen. Then she mumbled some words I will never forget.
“I haven t had the strength to go to Roswell Street for quite some time. I watched the church on TV until my eyes quit working. Then I listened on the radio until my hearing was lost. Now I have no way to communicate. The only thing I can do now is pray, but God is answering my prayers. I can remember many years ago when the church was just getting started and we met at an elementary school. Now 5,000 attend every Sunday. God is good, isn’t he!”
Upon hearing this story, my friend began to cry. Seeing her tears and thinking about that event made me nearly cry as well. Why the emotions? I think it is because we encountered the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas is not about our attempts to put religious importance to a date on the calendar. It is about marveling at a God who loved us so much that he was willing to die on a cross for us. It is about seeing the love others have for Him. Finally, it is about realizing the amazing impact a baby born in Bethlehem would have then, now, and in eternity. That is what Christmas is all about and in this I am sure God is pleased.
Have a Merry Christmas!
One Comment
As Christmas is coming close many people and families are looking for Shirstmas sheet music. Do you do caroling and singing at home? There is very interesting article appearing at today’s HULIQ at http://www.huliq.com/351/finding-free-christmas-sheet-music-and-carols-is-not-that-hard on how to find christmas sheet music and songs for family gathering Caroling.