December 2010
(Note: Pastor's Pen is published on a monthly basis)
Hope Was Born
Shepherds were in the field keeping watch over their flocks by night when angels
and the glory of God appeared and declared unto them the birth of the long
awaited Messiah. They heard, received, and immediately left their flocks in
search of the newborn King. As they went their way they were convinced of the
truth of the Savior and began expressing to others that they had found the long
awaited Messiah! That night, I believe, was the birth of the great “Hope” that
mankind had been searching, looking and longing for throughout the ages.
There in a manger lay the “Hope” of salvation to all men. This “Hope” was that
according to Romans 8:24 “For we are saved by Hope.” The shepherds on the
hillside believed the angels that brought the message, and then acted on their
faith, which lead them to the Messiah. Their “Hope” was raised to heights never
attained before. They took a zealous “Hope” and by faith believed this was He
whom the Prophets spoke about long ago. Their response speaks to me of their
faith and hope. Their love response was sharing the message of what occurred.
Your response speaks of faith and hope and your love response shares the gospel.
Each of us today are called to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be
ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the Hope
that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (I Peter 3:15). In I Cor. 13:13 the
Word declares that, “…Hope abides forever.” John, the Apostle of love, declares
in 1 John 3:3 “ …and every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself,
even as he is pure.” Therefore, we are called to testify to those who ask about
our “Hope” and continue to hold Christ in a set apart vessel - thus we are the
vessels that hold the Light of the world shinning out to a dark age. Let us hold
forth this “Hope” that was born so long ago keeping it in our hearts and
continually sharing it with others; not only at Christmas time, but also
throughout the year snatching every opportunity to share the Faith, Hope, and
Love we hold so dear. Blessings to you throughout this most holy season.
Love and prayers,
~ Pastor Roberts
Copyright © 2010 Northwest Tampa Church of God