Welcome Jesus
- LOGOI
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
Each school year, my wife has to get her picture taken for the yearbook along with all the children. Teachers and administrators get a special photo postcard with the word “Welcome” splashed across it in big letters. I think she looks great in all of her postcards, but of course, she usually doesn’t like how her photo turned out.
That means I have a nice collection of “Welcome” postcards. One of my favorites is propped up on my desk. I sit down in my chair, turn on the computer, look to the left side of my desk and there she is smiling at me saying, “welcome.” It’s a very nice way to start my work day.
Weeks ago I started thinking about what I would write and say to you this December. I’m always hoping and praying for “inspiration” – especially for Christmas. Then today, I sat at my desk, turned on my computer, glanced to my left and saw a beautiful face I love saying, “Welcome,” and there it was: my inspiration.
A while back, Chris Rice wrote a Christmas song titled, “Welcome To Our World.” It’s now been recorded by many, but I’ve always liked Amy Grant’s soft arrangement. The lyrics begin, “Tears are falling, hearts are breaking, how we need to hear from God. You’ve been promised, we’ve been waiting, welcome Holy Child, welcome Holy Child.”
The story of Simeon comes to mind. You know the story… the Lord had promised that Simeon would not die “until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” The Bible doesn’t say how old he was, but most scholars suggest he was “very old” with some suggesting he was over 100. His age isn’t the issue, but I can just picture Simeon saying, “Come on already, Lord. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to get up the steps to the Temple.”
The day finally came as Joseph and Mary walked into the temple with Baby Jesus. I love how the Bible simply says, “Simeon was there.” You bet he was. I think he was waiting at the door bouncing around like a kid on Christmas morning.
“Welcome” is my one word paraphrase of an awestruck Simeon holding Baby Jesus in his arms. He then beautifully and prophetically proclaims to his Lord and all those around him, “I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel” (see Luke 2:25-35).
Just consider what welcoming Jesus into your life truly means. Consider what it means to those you love and care for. Consider what it means to every person who has or who ever will live on this planet. Simeon knew. He said, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others.”
We at LOGOI love helping others “welcome” Jesus. Our on-the-job Bible training courses and resources are all designed to help pastors and teaching leaders help themselves and others welcome Jesus. Like Simeon, some of those we serve are older and wondering what’s taking the Lord so long to complete His “welcome.” Our national missionary, Juan Medina, in Bolivia comes to mind. He’s been pastoring for over 43 years and now is focused on training the “next generation” to help others welcome Jesus.
Others, like 28-year-old César Andrés Camejo Gotopo (what a great name) in Maracaibo, Venezuela, have welcomed Jesus and are just beginning their journey of faith. Through his church, César is helping bring the Gospel to poor and troubled areas of his community known for drug abuse, prostitution, and alcoholism. Imagine the joy of those who welcome Jesus into their lives. (You can read more about Juan and César on our LOGOIministry.org website.)
We are so grateful you are part of LOGOI’s family. Giving some of your tithes and offerings to help others “welcome Jesus” is a beautiful testimony of your love for the Lord. Thank you for making LOGOI a part of your ministry. Your prayers and gifts are gratefully welcomed and much needed. Thank you!
Verse four of “Welcome To Our World” has always grabbed me: “Fragile finger sent to heal us, tender brow prepared for thorn. Tiny heart whose blood will save us, unto us is born. Unto us is born.”
Ed Thompson
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