|
 Holiday Worship Guide:
Announcements
By Michael V. Mallick, Sr.
Minister
Jefferson Street Christian Church
Send a link to a friend
[December 22, 2014]
Announcements
are interesting things. Some announcements come unexpected while
others are anticipated. Some announcements are important and others
are unimportant. Some are funny, some are sad, some are large and
some are small. Announcements come in all different shapes and
sizes. But one thing is for certain, everyone has been touched by an
announcement at least once in their life.
|
|
 As I was pondering this subject (so close to advent) it amazed me
just how announcements have impacted my life. I remember being in
grade school waiting for Jimmy (I thought he was my best friend) to
announce that he wanted me on his team. I was upset because the
announcement came much later than expected.
I recall the joyous announcement of my fiance saying, “I love you.”
I remember the exuberant announcements of, “It’s a girl;” “It’s a
boy!”
Announcements also elicit memories of pain. “Dad has cancer!” “Dawn
was killed in a car accident!”
During this Christmas season I’m also reminded of another
announcement. An announcement that an angel made to a virgin named
Mary. The angel said, “...Mary, you have found favor with God. You
will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him
the name Jesus” (Luke 1:30-31). That announcement was the greatest
announcement ever made.
 The announcement that God was coming in the flesh. It was an
announcement of hope, love, peace, reconciliation, and redemption.
An announcement that makes all the other announcements in life,
whether good or bad, painful or joyous, seem insignificant.
How? Because God’s announcement of Jesus provides answers to all the
other announcements that leave us asking, “Why?”
This holiday season will be one with plenty
announcements...hopefully only exciting and happy ones. But if a
painful or sad announcement catches you off guard or brings tears to
your eyes, revisit Bethlehem. Look into the manger. Stare at the
Christ child, and remember He is an announcement that says, “I love
you and I understand.”
[to top of second column] |
 |
