A Heavenly Christmas Card

 

A heavenly Christmas card

by Barbara Latta

The card industry thrives on holidays and Christmas is one of the busiest for sales. From fancy to plain, glittered, glitzy, colorful, and extravagant, Christmas cards are available in any shape or form. In our technological world, some prefer to send e-cards and avoid the postage or paper usage.

Mailboxes are full during December as friends and families send pictures and well wishes for a blessed holiday season and greetings for the New Year. Many send letters with updates on past activities and achievements.

But God set a precedent for Christmas greetings. He sent two heavenly Christmas cards to earth long before anyone ever thought of mailing one made of decorated paper. One was a message that would prepare the way for the Messiah. The other was the glorious news of the Savior’s birth.

Zacharias, the priest, was chosen by lot to burn incense in the temple. While he was inside, people worshipped and prayed outside waiting for the priest to finish his duties.

As Zacharias performed the requirements brilliant light appeared. The power before him overwhelmed the frail, earthly body of the elderly priest.

A thundering voice said, “Zacharias, do not be afraid. Your prayers have been heard and you will have a son.”

Zacharias and Elizabeth’s son would be the forerunner of the Messiah and prepare men’s hearts to hear the words of repentance and salvation from the Lord.

Months later, the birth announcement of God’s Son rang out across a pasture of sheep in Bethlehem. Shepherds heard, “Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy. The Savior has been born.”

What news could be better than that? This proclamation was so great the shepherds couldn’t wait to be the first ones to visit the newborn King of the Jews.

The first Christmas cards were heavenly communications mailed from heaven when angels left the throne of God to bring joyful news to Zacharias and men watching their sheep. No stamps were needed because love was the postage. Eternal words from God were pronounced across the air.

Those glad tidings are a Christmas card we can keep forever. This one will never wear out, fade, get old or tear.

A Titus 2 woman encourages and educates others in the Word. We can continue the angelic words to all who will listen.

We have a reason to rejoice. Emmanuel, God with us, was born. And He came for all mankind.

What does this heavenly Christmas card mean to you?

TWEETABLES

The first Christmas cards were heavenly communications mailed from heaven when angels left the throne of God to bring glad tidings to earth. No stamps were needed because love was the postage. (click to tweet)