Dear friend,
It was a year of political turmoil, social unrest, racism, violence, mass terror, and citizen surveillance. Domestic conflicts simmered as people rebelled against government and even tore down its symbols.
No, I’m not referring to 2020. I’m referring to the year Jesus was born. According to the Jewish historian Josephus, society life was far from the idyllic scenes gracing many of our Christmas cards. It was a broken world—our world—into which God’s Son, the Living Word, was sent to bring joy and peace.
The pattern we see over and over in Scripture is the same we see in the Christmas story.
God’s Word is sent out, His power is displayed, and we witness the miracle of transformed lives as a result.
God’s Word is sent out
The prophet Isaiah gave this promise, a Messiah who would save His people in Isaiah 7:14, “The virgin will conceive a child!”
God’s power is displayed
We see this in the miracle of Mary’s conception. “…While she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18).
Joseph was also told, “For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20–21). This was the miracle God taking on human form—that of a little baby in a manger.
We witness the miracle of transformed lives
The result is found in Luke 2:17, 20. “After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child…. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.”
It’s marvellous how these lowly and despised outcasts of society are transformed into believing, God-glorifying, joyful evangelists sharing the Good News.
When Insight for Living Canada airs and shares the message that Jesus was sent as the living Word of God, something happens.
God’s power through the Holy Spirit accompanies this message and we witness the miracle of changed lives. We see the sinners transformed into saints, the lost into the found, and the broken into the healed. It is as Isaiah promised in Isaiah 55:11–12, “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. You will live in joy and peace.”
When you support Insight for Living Canada with your prayers and finances, you become an essential part of this life-changing process.
I think you will agree with me that 2020 has been a year unlike any other we have experienced. For most of us life changed. Uncertainty, fear, and loss have become watchwords. And the current state of the world leaves us wondering whether the next year will bring positive change, or more of the same.
The birth of Jesus Christ foretold by Isaiah carries the promise of joy and peace. The angel proclaimed, “Good news that will bring great joy to all people…and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:10, 14). The shepherds encountered Christ, believed, and returned home filled with joy. They experienced the truth of the proclamation.
This pattern and message is still true today. Just as lives were changed at the birth of our Saviour, so we can trust the Lord to continue the miracle of changing lives today.
As we close out 2020 and look ahead to 2021, we have set a goal to raise $450,000 by December 31. Will you join us in being a part of God’s working with your prayer and financial gift today?
Join with us in sharing God’s Word and anticipating the transformation, joy, and peace He promises to bring about when His Word is sent out.
Anticipating God’s working,
Steve Johnson
Executive Director
PS Join us in being a part of God’s great plan with your prayers and financial gifts toward our $450,000 year-end goal.
