REASON TO THE SEASON

During this time of year, we become aware that peace on earth and good will toward men and women will be found only through giving. Examine yourself and determine if you are truly giving.

 

The Bible tells a story of a man who was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of all his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest was going down the same road. When he saw the man, he passed on the other side of the road. Similarly, a Levite (A Holy man) came to the place and saw him, again passing on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was. When he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds. Then he put the man on his donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day, he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said, “and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.”

 

Which of these is creating joy and peace on earth?

 

Let’s put it in modern perspective. Standing by the side of the road is a woman wearing an old filthy dress and holding a screaming baby whose diaper desperately needs changing. Her husband is unshaven and wearing old overalls and a dirty white t-shirt. They are standing by an extremely old, beat up car that has broken down. Soon, a pastor drives by with his family, looks at the unsightly couple and does not stop thinking that it may not be safe for his family. A priest drives by next and does not consider stopping because he would be late for church. The head of the Rotary Club, who also serves on the school board, drives by and hopes that the authorities get these people off the road. Then an atheist used-car salesman comes by and picks them up. He stops by a 7-11 and buys diapers. He puts them up in a motel, lends them a car until the father can find work, and then puts him on an easy payment plan.

 

In Biblical times, Samaritans were considered to be so unclean and ungodly that travelers would add several days to their journey because they had to walk around the whole country of Samaria. Yet in this story, the Good Samaritan is revered for his godly service. God challenges you to love your neighbor as much as you love yourself or your own family so that you may live and we can all find peace.

 

Knowing this, how many of you will see a child with asthma, a person with a limp, a sick baby, someone in pain, hear of someone who is suffering from diabetes or cancer, or find out about family members and co-workers taking drugs and walk right by? This year stop – and tell them about how we can help.