ZPCBlog

About the author: Tim Gardner is a very flawed lover of Jesus. Over the years he has worked to try and encourage people along on this journey of life. Tim spent 12 years on the staff of ZPC (from 1990-2002), serving in roles ranging from youth pastor to director of the Cabin Counseling Center. Since then he has worked as a marriage and family therapist, executive coach, author, and speaker.  He has been married to his best friend, Amy, for 34 years; together they have raised three now-adult children, Austin, Caleb, and Grace, and were blessed to see Caleb and his love, Amelia, get married this past year. They have recently returned to ZPC where they are currently serving whenever possible with the Food Pantry. They love the beach and spend as much time walking the shores as they can.

What have been some of the most life-changing pronouncements you’ve ever heard?

A doctor confirming that you’re going to be a parent?

Learning you made the team … or didn’t make the team?

Picking up the phone to be told about the death of a loved one?

Receiving notice that you got that dream job … or that you were terminated from what you thought was your dream job?

A child calling to tell you that they are engaged?

The doctor telling you the surgery was a success … or that they discovered a problem?

I’ve received everyone of those announcements. And you’ve received similar ones. From sicknesses to celebrations, we’ve all been there. Sometimes they’re expected, but often they come out of the blue —and change our lives forever.

Just like it happened to some lowly shepherds over 2000 years ago. But not only did the news they received change their lives forever, it has continued to change lives every year since — and every month, and every day. Right down to today; and right down to you and me. 

Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

With all of the news I’ve received in my over 60 years walking this earth, there is nothing that has ever matched the life-changing impact of that angelic announcement:

A Savior has been born … to you … and to me.  

What could be greater news than that?

Activity:

Pastor Jerry has been challenging us to find some moments in our day to simply reflect. My encouragement to you is to spend some quiet time reflecting on this world-changing, incredible announcement. Was must it have been like to be one of the shepherds hearing this news? How do you think they explained it to their families? How does that ancient announcement impact you today? How you live? The choices you make? And what is your role in continuing to share this incredible news with other fellow-strugglers? And finally, simply reflect gratefully on what that announcement means to you … and to God. 

Prayer:

Gracious God and Father, thank You. Thank you for the announcement that has forever changed our lives. Thank You for your unending love for us that moved you send your son to us as a precious, humble child, lying in a manger, who was, as the angles proclaimed, our Savior. And thank you that because of that announcement and that gift, we are now saved from our sins and can now know you personally. May we be faithful stewards of this incredible news and may we live our lives in a way that continually reflects the magnificent joy of that good news: a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord. We ask these things in his holy name.  Amen. 

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