Small town _a great place to live! I so appreciate Blenheim’s sense of community. There is an openness to any good idea. The progressiveness of the BIA and like-minded organizations has enriched us.
Shoppers come from near and far. Seniors and city-folks have discovered the touch-of-country pace a welcomed change in retirement. “People even speak to us on the sidewalk!”
Small towns have a built-in dynamic regarding “trust issues”. Close-knit relationships enable word to travel _quickly! (“for better, for worse _for richer, for poorer.”) ‘Word of mouth’ guards and guides us; ‘red flags’ help us to be wise.
People of integrity earn our trust over time. God is right: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1) Reputation and recommendation make for trust, peace, and progress among us. This is so-o-o good!
Christmas reminds us that God is a promise-keeper. History is documentation of His faithfulness. Word gets around, so trusting Him is NOT blind faith. He has proven Himself trustworthy:
- He Promised Jesus’ Coming
His prophets spoke of Jesus’ virgin mother, His birth in Bethlehem, His role as king, His death and resurrection. The hope of the Jewish people was founded on God’s promises.
- His Promises Were Fulfilled
Jesus, being God, came from heaven to live in human form. He was called the Son of God.
God said, “Now’s the time!” to Zachariah & Elizabeth, to Mary & Joseph, to the Shepherds, to Simeon, and to Anna; they saw the babe. Later the wisemen came and saw Him.
Of significance, the shepherds said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” After seeing Jesus, they,“returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2)
Multitudes of eyewitnesses knew He lived among us. This included those who did not like what they saw and heard – those who crucified Him.
- His Purposes Were Fulfilled
The angel proclaimed, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” Old Testament prophecy was fulfilled; God kept His promise!
A Saviour HAS come! The Bible says, “There is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.”
My ‘trust issues’ regarding Him have been laid to rest. Though executed and buried, Jesus overcame our greatest enemy – DEATH, as He promised. We’re told, “All who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” I, too, believe! I have reason to celebrate Christ-mas.
“Are you with me?”
Pastor Bill Terris