The Most Important Decision of All

Last night we were at Trevitt Hall for our annual Christmas Banquet! When you plan such an event, there are so many decisions to be made! Thankfully, this year I didn't have to make many of them. In fact, I just made one really important decision and that was to trust Sharon and Janet to take care of it, and they did. We had a wonderful night! However, the most important decision of all wasn't made until after our benediction was prayed, during the fellowship afterward. Brittany told her parents that she wanted to be saved! They told Janet, and Janet brought Brittany to me. The most important decision of all was made last night when Brittany decided to receive Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. What a joy it was to pray with her! We knelt at a folding chair on the concret floor of Trevitt Hall, and right there, encountered the awesome presence of Jesus Christ. Could there be a more appropriate way to celebrate the Savior's birth? I think not. As I looked into Brittany's face after prayer, there were tears running down her cheeks. I asked, "Brittany, are you alright?" When she said, "yes," I asked, "then, why the tears?" She responded, "I'm just so happy!"

The truth is that Brittany has been coming to this decision for several days and weeks. she has witnessed her dad, Alfred, in his renewed relationship with Christ. In fact, Brittany is pictured below in the baptismal photo watching her dad's baptism. She is the last little girl on the right in front of the baptistry. When genuine faith is lived at home, it has an impact on the lives of others. It is the powerful example of real faith in Christ demonstrated daily that is the most effective gospel of all.

This makes two decisions for Chirst this week! The other one was Troy who received Christ his Lord, on Sunday at the baptismal service, which included his own baptism. That is, however, another story.

In Luke 15:7, Jesus closes the parable of the lost sheep with these words,

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in
heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine
righteous persons who do not need to repent.

This week all of heaven has celebrated with us as Troy and Brittany have come to Christ. As we continue to celebrate the Christmas season, let's remember that this is why Jesus came. Again, the words of angel's message to Joseph in Matthewy 1:21 were:

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the
name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

Then in Luke 2:11 the message of the angels to the shepherds was:

Today in the town of David a Savior has been
born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

How appropriate that in our celebration of the Savior's birth that a child should make the most important decision of all, saying, "I want to be saved." Hey, join the celebration, and have a very blessed day!