Orthodox Christmas

"Isus Se Rodi!!!" "Jesus is born."
"Vistina se rodi" Truly, He is born."

The above is what you say to your neighbors, friends and family on Christmas. One person says the first phrase and the second person responds with "Truly, He is born." Amazing that everyone here says that and celebrates that, and yet a vast minority actually know why He was born--to give life, and to give it abundantly. Although they do not know the truth and hope that Christ brought when he came to earth to pay the penalty for our sins so that we can have a relationship with the Almighty God, they celebrate Him only on that day. We were able to visit with a few families for their Christmas "parties." In one home, we were able to share of the hope that Christ gives us. We were able to share with them that they can have this hope as well. The subject was quickly changed, but we give God the glory that He allowed us to throw a little salt in the conversation.

In the second home we went to, we were able to boldly share some Scripture about why Christ came to this earth. In John 10:10, Jesus says, "I have come that they might have life and have it to the full." We shared this verse and the hope that Christ's coming gives us. "Everyone must choose his own way" was the way the man of the house responded. "Jesus is The only Way!" we responded. He was quiet, then we shared John 14:6 with them where the Lord says, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father except through me." Here again, the subject was changed very quickly, but praise our Lord and Savior who again enabled us to remember the verses we have memorized in Macedonian to season the conversation with salt!!! He desires a relationship with these families. Pray that we will continue to boldly share the beautiful Truth with them that "He made Him who knew no sin, to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God." -2 Corinthians 5:21. Give Him all the glory and pray that these men and women, their sons and daughters will come to know the Lord as their Savior.