In the days leading up to 9-11, fighting in Afghanistan between local groups and then the Taliban resulted in thousands of refugees pouring down into neighboring Pakistan. There they were squashed into tents and mud hovels in refugee camps in intense heat and poor sanitation. J. Dudley Woodberry and his wife Roberta were working in the refugee camps at the time. Listen to what Woodbury describes what happened in the camps:
Conditions at one camp were harsher than at the others; so Roberta and her class took school supplies to the students so they had more than just blank slates with chalk. Another group of eight workers imported thousands of sandals for the children who ran around with bare feet on the rough parched ground. But they decided that they would also wash their feet as Jesus had. My daughter-in-law joined the group.
For a week they washed every foot with antibacterial soap, anointed with oil, and silently prayed for the child. Then they gave each of them new sandals, a quilt, and a shawl, plus a small bag of flour for every family. At first the sores, pus, pink eye, and dirt were revolting. But then our daughter-in-law felt a deep love as she silently prayed, “Dear Father, this little girl looks like she does not have anyone to care for her. Let my touch feel to her as if you are touching her. May she remember how you touched her this day, and may she seek after you ,. Thank you for those who seek you will find you." Many children looked up and shyly smiled.
Sometime later a teacher in one of the tents used for a refugee school asked her class, “Who are the best Muslims?" A girl raised her hand and replied, “the kafirs" (a Arabic and Islamic term which, in the Islamic culture, refers to a person who disbelieves in the Islamic God). After the teacher recovered from her shock, she asked, "Why?" The young girl replied, "The Muslim fighters killed my father, but the kafirs washed my feet.”
So let me ask you the question this morning. How did this young Afghan girl that remarked to the teacher learn of Jesus? By someone, the kafirs, Pakistani Christians, that witnessed of Jesus with the simple act of washing the young Taliban girls feet. Is this not a true resume entry of living the life of an obedient servant of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ by serving the omnipotent and loving God, even amongst different nationalities, race, creeds and color? Just not long ago, I read an article in regard to Israel and Hamas fighting in the Gaza stripe that Hamas fighters saw Jesus directly and right before them, which they immediately dropped their weapons and fled the area, giving their lives to Christ. This is not fables friends, this is real stuff! I personally can tell you stories I experienced in the war that I’ll share some other time which I know God was there. Its all a truthful witness that we are called to do.
Every year Christmas poses a question to the world—and to you this morning—namely, why did Jesus come? Or what is the meaning of Jesus Christ? Or, more personally, what difference should this Christ child make in my life? In my marriage, in my work, in my leisure, in my thinking, in my emotions? Why all this fuss over Christmas?
Theres no time for me to fully engulf you with all the details of this wonderful topic, but I pray that you can grasp from this message a little more insight into some of these pressing questions. In titling todays message Christmas Witnesses, I find it very suiting in knowing just as the Christians in the middle east was able to witness to others by doing a simple act of washing children’s feet, we too are instructed to bear witness of Christ to others by even the most simplest acts of obedience. The word witness used here in Greek is mar-too-ree'-ah which means to witness, evidence, testimony of that evidence. No doubt, we forget what being a Christmas Witnesses really means. It’s not just telling the story of Jesus miraculous birth, but most importantly, telling why Jesus came in the first place. We start our journey with seeing Christmas’s first Witnesses as we find in the Gospel of Luke chapter 2 verse 8. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord….Let us move down to verse 17, And they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds.
Notice the statement, all who heard it were amazed—this is witnessing to others about Christ. The shepherds spread the good news of the virgin birth, God, born in the flesh, how God came to fulfil the long-awaited prophecy to save mankind. It’s happening! It’s happening now! More importantly, the shepherds responded by asking themselves, is this true and let us search for this messiah. Some people have heard about Jesus, but did not seek Him out. This is very sad. How far are we willing to go from hearing the good news to searching for Jesus. Also notice regardless of the shepherd’s education, theological backgrounds, age, sex, color or creed, they witnessed and responded to Gods miraculous testimony from the Angel. “I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people,” which means it wasn’t just for the shepherds. An obedient servant cannot just hold it all in and keep quiet. Word has to be spread.
How can we contain Gods news just for us? Where are we in the gulf of things whereas we only portray ourselves as Christians when in fact we don’t spread His loving message to others as we should? Earlier I mentioned the question, why all this fuss over Christmas? Because without Christmas, we would not have a savior. Without a savior, we would be doomed for all eternity. 1 Corinthians tells us without Christ we are still in our sins. No hope is given without the baby Jesus. This is why we must become Christmas Witnesses.
In terms of being a witness, if no one witnessed anything God has done, there would be no story to tell, no news to spread. Words of a witness are powerful without question. The witness saw, experienced and foretelling what truth of what has taken place. Think about Jesus himself bearing witness to God about His purpose. Jesus tells us in Gospel of John 18:37, "For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice." Did you hear that! Not facts, not hearsay, not gossip, but strictly truth.
So how can we become Christmas Witnesses? First, we must let Christ lead our celebrations. 1 Don't be led by presents, parties and preparations to crowd out time with the Lord. We need to preserve our time with God with prayer, with service and with living the testimony of who Christ is. We align our hearts to His priorities as to bring glory to God and invite people into His marvelous light.
This brings us to the second stature in sharing the marvelous light with others. 1 We Invite families, friends, and neighbors to church or a Gospel-centered event to hear the Good News of Christmas. Just as John the Baptist bear witness to the light, we too are a witness to others of that same light. When we do this, we build relationships by meeting a need. We show people that God loves them just as we do. Be bold to begin conversations that delve into life's deep problems and motivations, and trust God for opportunities to share how He answers the profound longings of our hearts. Don’t be scared, God will do the work through us.
In closing friends, remember this carefully. Christmas is meant to be joyous, but it’s also to reflect and remember the true reason for Christ, which He came to save us all from sin and eternal separation from God. There is no better Christmas gift. So, make the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:16), trusting that the Holy Spirit will give you words to say (Luke 12:12), that God's Word does not return to Him void (Isaiah 55:11), and that God is the one who changes hearts (Ezekiel 36:26)—we have only to obey the call to go and tell others the Good News. We are to be witnesses of Christmas by being Christmas Witnesses. Listen to this wonderful poem from Greg Olsen.
By the magical light of a small Christmas candle
A little Old man tries to carefully handle
The small porcelain manger which serves as a bed
For the wee Baby Jesus to lay down His head.
In wonder he brings the manger up to his view,
Smiles at the baby and whispers, "l love you!
I love you for bringing this season Of joy,
I love you for growing to a man from a boy;
For being our light and leading the way,
For being the spirit Which makes Christmas Day!
You've been my mentor, my model, my hero and guide,
Please continue to help me and stay by my side.
I've tried to follow your teachings and give as you gave,
Reminding all to be kind and that it's Wise to behave.
Help me to serve Others and bring them your light,
Especially the children, please bless them tonight!
Some have so verv little, scarce food for their table,
You know how it feels — you were born in a stable.
Bless all their mothers and fathers with a knowledge that's sure,
The best gift they can give is their love, strong and pure.
That's the Spirit of Christmas when all's said and done,
God's gift of love, that came as His Son!"
Then back to His mother the child is returned
The Nativity glows as the candle is burned.
In a wink the little Old man slips quietly away
Some say he goes up the chimney and climbs in a sleigh.
Whatever the case, His mission is clear -
Give unto Others, bringing love and good cheer.
He flies into the night and bids us adieu
Doing for others what Jesus would do!