December 15, 2010
Truth Connections
Devotions for Parents on the Go

Focus on Jesus Part Two: Share Your Experience
Background Passages: Luke 2:1-35
Today's Focal Passage:

17 After seeing [them], they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.


Luke 2:17-20
, HCSB


Play by Play

As I write this devotional, the SEC basketball tournament is in full swing in Nashville. Watch the coverage on television and you can see lots of basketball over just a few days. Many people pay big dollars to get tickets to the game of their favorite team but others simply cannot make it happen. Tickets are not available for most of us.

  
While being in the thick of the excitement of the game in real life, watching it on television is really not so bad. In fact, there are some real benefits. You get to see replays of the some of the best plays of the game. You get play by play details of the game by the commentators. Neither of these is available when you are watching the game from the bleachers.

  
My little boy loves to play video games. If fact, he loves it so much we have to limit the amount of time he does play them. He plays games that have different levels, which is the real challenge for him. He often gives me a play by play of just what he did to get to the latest level. Often, I have no idea what he is talking about but I would never consider letting him know that. He is always so excited to share.

  
Having a play by play of any situation is usually a good thing, especially if you are detail person like I am. The shepherds who met the Baby Jesus gave details to anyone who would listen. No doubt, they shared of holding Him in their arms. They talked about the stable and how the Baby was born among the animals in a cattle stall with the smell of manure. They discussed the love of Mary and Joseph for the Baby. But, perhaps most importantly, they shared how this Baby was the Messiah, the Son of God come to save the world.

 
 If we know Christ as Lord and Savior and have a relationship with Him, we have a story to tell. We must be willing to share the play by play of our own Jesus story. 
Kyle Cravens
Think It Through

o    What does Christ mean to you?
o    Does the way you live your life and the words you say reflect this?
o    How has He changed your life?
o    With whom can you share this?