November 12th, 2024

Dear Friends, 

Yesterday, I finished installing the iron fence along the back alley of our property. It looks quite good, I think, and more importantly, it’s the last major project on the outside of our house and grounds. I can officially say that the build we started two years ago has come to completion. I feel really great about that! On Sunday, Sharon and I celebrated our forty-fifth wedding anniversary and, last night, we took the whole family to our favourite Chinese restaurant which, coincidentally, went into business the same year that we were married. That was also a high point in my week — and it’s just getting started. 

All of this is good news to me and I enjoy telling you about it, even if it really isn’t the same for you. These things are a big deal in my life and easily shared. I appreciate you taking the time to read about them, even if you don’t share the same level of delight that I feel. 

Our memory verses for this month move us toward Christmas (it’s less than fifty days away,  you know).  

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a  manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,  praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to  those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:10b-14) 

Do you think of the gospel as good news which will cause others to rejoice? Most of us think of the gospel more like a powerful cleaning solvent, necessary to clean up the mess in peoples’ lives and in the world. Yes, it has a noxious odour but that must be put up with in order to clean things up. We know it works but the smell can be overpowering and we’d prefer not to have that experience. Or, what if the solvent doesn’t work this time? Or, what if there are other solvents that work better? 

Might it be, friends, that our greatest problems with sharing the gospel involve our failure to see it the way the angels saw it that first Christmas? Do we really see it as “good news?” If we do, then, let’s share it. We don’t have to cram it down anyone’s throat; that kind of approach makes the good news sour quickly and people gag on it. 

Let me give you a couple of practical questions. Why is the gospel good news? How is it good news for you? How do you see the good news playing out in your life today? What is one gospel blessing you have received that you can share with someone else? 

It’s no harder than telling someone about a fence or a family gathering. If it’s important to you,  tell others you care about. 

Blessings! 

Doug