Video of the Day: Clip from the 1964 movie “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”
Bible Verse of the Day:
A man with leprosy[h] came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41 Jesus was indignant.[i] He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. 43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere, Mark 1:40-45.
Biblical Connection:
When I first watched Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer as a child, I was a misfit. Rudolph’s red nose prevented him from playing in any of the Reindeer Games each winter. Meanwhile, I was stuttering boy whose family couldn’t afford name brand clothing. I was forced to wear bobos on my feet, receive handed down toys from my 2 sisters and homemade sweaters from my grandmothers.
Being able to know the future, Jesus knew the leper He was about to heal wasn’t going to follow His strict instructions. Subsequently, Jesus was limited to where He was able to visit. During Jesus’ 3-year earthly ministry, He regularly went to remote areas where first century misfits called home. If you want to emulate Jesus’ practices, begin with people who need the most help this Christmas.
Closing Song:
My spiritual mentor in high school introduced me to David Meece. Ken would incorporate music in almost every Bible lesson he taught. May today’s song inspire you to reach out and touch the souls of the misfits in your spheres of influence this Christmas season.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 