Good News for ALL

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:8-11

I worked retail for several Christmas seasons. It’s a thankless task, and anyone who’s had that experience can feel forgotten. Can you imagine if God Himself suddenly showed up at your workplace? No doubt the poor sheep herders working the night shift that first Christmas wondered if anyone cared for them. They discovered the truth that Good News isn’t just for the church place, but the marketplace as well.

The good news of Christmas, said the angel, is for “all the people.” Not just the church people, or the people that make a lot of money, or even the people who are on Santa’s “good list.” The Christmas angel could have appeared to a priest in the temple, or a holy man deep in meditation on Mt. Sinai. But he didn't; He showed up in the middle of the night, to a bunch of working stiffs far from God.

Whether you find yourself in the mall or the church hall this Christmas, there’s good news. God can show up right where you are! The surprise of Christmas is that God makes house calls. Our university community exists to place leaders in every sphere of influence; from the courtroom to the board room to the living room with this message of peace…God has arrived in the person of Jesus, right where you are.

Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. Submitted by Dr. Richard Kidd, Director of Campus Ministries

Proverbs 27:17 As Iron Sharpens Iron...

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

This "proverbial" truth reminds me of my Eagle Scout days out in the woods. There we faced crucial tasks of cutting firewood with an ax and carving campsite necessities with a knife. It didn't take long to realize, axes and knives get DULL through use. The proverb reminds us the same is true with people.

The truth is we all need one another for spiritual sharpening, don't we? Whether its the grind of routine that dulls us, or the acid of discouraging circumstance, or even the hard-hearted rebellion of sensuality, our souls get dull--just like knives. We lose the keen edge of spiritual interest whetted in us through constant contact with Christ.

I know as a long-time "dullard" the friction of fellowship often restores my spiritual edge. Others notice gaps in my spiritual armor, "blind spots" that I might miss. They challenge rationalizations that I cherish. Sparks fly when iron sharpens iron. Just ask the Regent Students who started, "The Sharpening." Every week they practice just this type of full-contact discipleship, not with knives or axes; but with sharp souls that seek to help shape one another for service to Christ.

Jesus said it plainly, "Are you still so dull?" (Matt. 15:16) Perhaps you need the friction of fellowship to sharpen up your soul. God bless you as you seek others to share your spiritual journey. Submitted by Dr. Richard Kidd, Director of Campus Ministries