America - I believe her to be the greatest nation on earth. Perfect? Hardly! Yet, I’d take her as she is over any other as it ever was. Throughout our history we have some great stories that have come about, stories of bravery and great heroism. Washington and his ill-prepared army in the bitter cold of winter, Lincoln facing the battle between the states, MacArthur’s “I shall return”, and so many others stir our hearts and exhilarate our souls. Don’t you just love a great story?  They abound, and of course not just of national pride, but stories throughout the history of man challenge our minds.

There is one story however, that stands far and away above all the rest. It’s the story of God laying aside the majesty of heaven for the dust and filth of a cattle stall. It’s the story of the Creator of man choosing to become a man himself, only to die at the hands of the men He had given life to. It’s the story of the immortal experiencing mortality. It is the story of the creator, giver and sustainer of life tasting death. It’s the story of the third day, for on that third day death was vanquished by life! This story, this amazing story, is all about God bringing you to Himself. Yes, in this story we learn everything necessary for man to have peace with God has been done. And the story tells us an angelic choir sang the first Christmas carol, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14) There is no story like the Christmas story. Yes, it’s still the greatest story ever told.

The Scriptures teach us that there is a diversity of gifts within the church, and the purposes of those gifts are to build one another up and glorify the Lord. As we look around our society, we see also there is an abundance of talents as diverse as the people who make up our society. But have you noticed what is lacking? I’m certain you have seen this great dearth in every aspect of society as it is lacking in our schools, our athletics, our homes, our places of business, our government, and even in our churches. Yes, we have intelligent and skilled politicians, educators, CEO’s, athletes and so on, but, is that the most important thing? Is skill and intelligence and talent and giftedness the most important thing one can possess? Not according to Scripture. So what is it our society so greatly lacks? What is the one thing we need? “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Cor. 4:2) You know what is so exciting to me about this? Not everyone has the IQ of Einstein, or can sing and dance like Bing Crosby, or produce wealth like Warren Buffet, or throw a fastball like Nolan Ryan – BUT – everyone can be faithful. Will you be faithful?