Compelled by the Savior

By the glow of your computer, you may wonder what this writing life is worth. These heavy days of unbelief seem to tarnish the joy that decorates this holy season. “Hallelujah!” seems the word of fading memory. 

Writer, did you know our circumstances do not have the final say? Christ has come, and Christmas is not in vain.

“The woman said to him, ‘I know that Messiah comes, he who is called Christ. When he has come, he will declare to us all things.’” (John 4:25, WEB)

These were the words of the promiscuous, Samaritan woman who met Jesus at Jacob’s well. (John 4:4-7; John 4:16-18) In her sinful state, she proclaimed her faith to Jesus — the Messiah would come for His people. Though she was weary in the waiting for Him, it is clear the Samaritan woman’s hope was in the Messiah and His message, that He would tell the world “all things” (John 4:25b, WEB). Unaware that Messiah, Jesus, stared into her heart at that moment, she and those around her would be changed forever. They would learn that the Messiah had come. (John 4:26; 4:28-29; 4:39-42)

This Christmas, do we dare to believe the same?

Headlines show us a world in fear and vengeful hate. Pain, strife and the mistaken desire for sin’s power cast darkness on mankind like a creeping, smothering shadow. Tensions and confusion rise from the chaos. Problems destroy hope, discourage the spirit and desensitize the heart. Could we be further from love? Will humankind recognize that the Messiah has come?

Writer, that’s where you come in. You bring a message that every heart needs to hear — the Savior has come! Just as the writers of the Bible brought the message to you and me, let the stories of your life and His words lead people to Him.

Do you teach and write Bible studies? Do thoughts of adoration for Jesus bubble from within you? Like the Gospel writers and the Apostles, you have a purpose. He is the answer. Point to Him!

Have you found your peace in His poetry? The psalmists and the prophets assure the people of our world of Jesus’ imminent arrival. Make Him known!

Have you suffered loneliness, rejection, grief or estrangement from others? People long to know they are loved and not abandoned. They ache for the acceptance and belonging He offers. Lead them to embrace Him because He embraces them!

Has Jesus healed you? Has He blessed you with His faithfulness through sicknesses, afflictions and the lies that deceive? Readers long to learn of the hope that Jesus delivers them. Tell them how He restored you. Testify to His goodness!

Friend, your writing is the witness to Jesus’ coming and tells of His glory in your story.

This Christmas, let this reality ring in your ears:

Christmas was not in vain.

Christmas is not in vain. 

Christmas will never be in vain.

The Messiah is here!

Blessings,

Joanne Almeter

Friend, what is the story of Christ in you? How does His work in your life change the way you share that story with others? Share in the comments below.