Today We Celebrate Because We Know!

This morning after the kids opened their gifts from Santa, I turned on CNN Africa to hear of the following breaking news stories.

• Dozens killed in Pakistan blast
• Deadly Christmas Eve bombings in Nigeria
• Earthquake shakes Puerto Rico
• France to help build Russian warships
• West African leaders threaten Ivory Coast with force

As I listened to these breaking news headlines, I recalled a line from my favorite Christmas carol which says, "in despair I bowed my head, there is no peace on earth I said. For hate is strong and marks the song of Peace on Earth Goodwill to Men."

I went over to our IPOD, scrolled down, found the song, and listened to my favorite verse of the song which says, "Then rang the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead nor does He sleep. Peace on Earth! Peace on Earth! The wrong shall fail the right prevail. Peace on Earth Goodwill to Men!"

So today we celebrate! We celebrate knowing Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby and conquered sin, death, and the grave on the cross! We celebrate knowing we now belong to His body the church! We celebrate because Salvation is here!

Merry Christmas from South Africa.