When Heaven Comes Down
As we step through the door into the Christmas Advent season I repost last year’s post which recommends a good book by C.H.Spurgeon appropiate to this time of year.
As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was imploring Him that he might accompany Him. And He did not let him, but He said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.
It is said that at Halloween the world of the dead and that of the living are at their closest to each other, which in my opinion is a load of codswallop. The reality is more stark, without God in our lives in this world we are already dead. Might I suggest in contrast an absolute certainty; that at Christmas the Heavenly world of Eternity is closest to us than at any other time of year. We can see the shores of salvation before us in that beautiful nativity story and point them out to our nearest and dearest, telling them “see what great things He has done for me!” Thus Christmas is a solemn opportunity for those who would be soul winners; it is when Heaven comes down to meet us within the festive preparations.
The power of the soul winners message is not in telling lost souls how they can and should be saved, but in sharing how He saved us. The value of a sincere testimony to His saving love in our life, is the greatest Christmas gift we can give someone this year, or any year.
As I thought of this I remember the lost boy that had believed the lie of being born a Christian. He came face to face with his own need of a relationship with Jesus one Good Friday night in Livingston, the preacher’s words pierced his heart and pulled him in his need to the Mercy Seat in tears. That night after that penitent prayer, the curtains of my soul were parted and the Son shone in and through me. What a burden was lifted from my shoulders that night! Since then life has not been free from troubles, but through my Lord beside me I have conquered all my troubles daily.
Dear reader, the approaching Christmas season is the greatest opportunity to share how God has blessed you with others. Your Lord calls you today “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” Heaven’s doors are open wide at Christmas that all may see the Glory of God’s love; tell your part in this story sincerely – it is the best Christmas gift you can give to those you love.
* This devotion is inspired from my reading of C.H. Spurgeon’s book Joy Born At Bethlehem which can be freely downloaded. It is a series of sermons with a Christmas theme worth reading.
Alan Kearns is a Christian father and grandfather from Scotland. He was raised in the mining villages of Fife and came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1984. A major influence that leads Alan to Jesus was his Christian mum, grandparents and an aunt. Alan writes regular devotionals in his blog Devotional Treasures
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