Lake Eufaula Christian Church
A reminder comes from the Bible as you jump into the hustle and bustle of the new year. The birth of Jesus story features many disrupted patterns, all which show God at work in the lives of those involved. First, when Mary hears from an angel that she’ll mother to the Christ child. How did she react to knowing every routine of her life would be changed? She trusted God to be with her, even when giving birth in a manger. She knew that God had a plan.
When the shepherds were told “The Savior— yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.’” (Luke 2: 11-14) The announcement came unexpectedly to poor, dirty, lowly, humble shepherds who decided to go to Bethlehem to see the Christ child. While the world slept on that silent night, the shepherds’ lives were forever changed, as they became the first to see God’s royal Son.
What if these unsophisticated, uneducated, and society-shunned shepherds had told the angel, “Thanks, but no thanks”? What if they had not left their flocks and missed being part of the greatest story ever told? The shepherds’ story was recorded for eternity because they chose to be a part of something much bigger than momentary routine and responsibility.
Ministry often happens outside of our normal routine. We can either embrace the interruption or take it in stride, knowing that God is most likely up to something that will benefit us more than the status quo.
The second group of Christmas story characters who committed to something out of their comfort zone were the Magi. “Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.’” (Matthew 2:1-2). These Magi had spent months upon months traveling from Persia because their studies of celestial bodies showed them a new star that was out of the norm— a unique occurrence worth checking out.
Imagine spending nearly a year on camelback traveling to see someone and then spending only one day with that person. Would you honestly make such a commitment? Would you interrupt whatever plans you had to seek Him more than anything else? The Christmas story demonstrates if you are following Jesus, prepare to be interrupted. If we want to love God and others well, we must allow interruptions and respond with grace. As you move into 2024, will you let God interrupt your normal routine in order for you to be intentional about growing closer to Him?
One thing that never gets interrupted at LECC is our love for Jesus as we study His message at 10 a.m. Bible study, revere Him at 11 a.m. worship, and adore Him at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday classes for all ages. We start a new message series this Sunday that will help you establish healthy, godly habits! If you’re unchurched, please interrupt your usual routine and join us as we commit to the cause of God’s kingdom for 2024.
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
