I love Christmas. It can be such a happy time of year with beautiful decorations, wonderful carols, and presents. (Although, I get more excited over the kids presents than my own. LOL)
I also love how people are more open and receptive to the message of Christ. It is His birthday after all. Oh, you'll get some hum drummers, but overall, we have a little more leeway at Christmas to talk about God.
Which brings me to the second reason we should read the Major books of prophecy (you can read the first here). Yes, they can be depressing and tough reading. But the Apostle Paul put it this way,
"Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." 2 Cor. 5:11 KJV
The first step is to repent of our own sins--in a sense to 'save our own hides'. But what about the world around you?
The way the prophets pleaded with Isreal, reminds me that I should plead with those around me. THEY are the reason Jesus came after all.
Burying my head in the sand and ignoring the prophecies about the future, doesn't do me or anyone else any good. And the major prophets pull my heads out of the sand when I read them with a receptive heart.
The receptive heart part is rather key. I can read them, gloss over them, but if I open my heart to see past the doom and gloom, the major books of prophecy remind me why Christmas is important. Why the great commission is important. Because I know, WE KNOW, what's coming if one doesn't trust Jesus as their Saviour.
Reading the major prophets can help you remember that the gift of life is more important than picking the perfect gift to put under the tree.
Will you remember why we celebrate Christmas this year? Will you plead with people as the prophets plead with Israel to turn from their sins?
Don't let the strong messages of the prophets pull you down. Let it stir you up! Spread the good news this Christmas.
Comments