Good Will towards Men

Luke Chapter 2
Christ Born of Mary

(1) And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. (2) This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. (3) So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
(4) Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, (5) to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. (6) So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. (7) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest

(8) Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9) And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. (10) Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. (11) For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” (13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

 (14) “ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

(15) So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” (16) And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. (17) Now when they had seen Him, they made widely[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. (18) And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. (19) But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. (20) Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.


     The above verses from the Gospel of Luke gives us the magnificent story of the birth of Jesus.
As familiar as all Christians are with this story; one of the most famous lines to Christians and non believers. This line which has been used in movies, songs and poetry. Which also use to be the mentality of the season: “ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 

     What a beautiful thought "Peace on earth, goodwill toward men". This once meant:

  • Help our fellow men
  • Be good to your neighbor
  • Help the poor
  • Love each other
     This concept actually seems  familiar from other sections of the Bible. Even from the complete story of Jesus, we see compassion: From Him healing the sick to raising the dead!

There was a time when if you saw someone hungry, you gave them something to eat or even invited them home for dinner. When you saw someone hurt you took them to the hospital. You gave to charities, volunteered at shelters or hospitals, and gave to food banks. If you were in the line at the grocery store, you would let someone jump ahead of you. This goodwill towards men, came more obvious from all people during the Christmas Holiday. as it is, people out of work, and the population of the US concerned about tomorrow. It seems as "Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards Men" has taken on new meaning. Now it seems to mean "only the strong survive", as Black Friday has shown us.
  • Pepper spray all who get in the way of us saving money on a big screen TV
  • Shoot a gun in the store to worn off anyone trying to get in front of you
  • Carry knifes and guns while shopping for great deals
  • If anybody jumps the line, beat them to a pulp

     I am sure that when Jesus came to earth in the flesh, giving up his heavenly and spiritual comforts, and even went as far as allowing himself to be crucified. I do not believe this is what He had in mind for the idea of "Peace on earth, Goodwill towards men".
I urge people to wake up, stop your greed, Love God and His precepts, and yes your fellow man (your neighbor).

Mark chapter 12     Which Is the First Commandment of All?
(28) Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?”
(29) Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. (30) And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. (31) And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

     I pray that everyone has a "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year", but more than this; I pray that everyone comes to Love and Know God as Much as He Love's and Knows You. Please keep in mind that without Jesus and God the Father, this season is just more cold winter days.

 
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