Come and See

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

Can’t you just hear the sweet voice of Linus as he lisps these tender words, clutching his blanket, alone on stage?

He is so sincere – as he often strives to be – and so convincing that I think, “He means it. He must mean it. Linus knew His Savior” …or perhaps his creator, Charles Schultz did.

As of this writing, we haven’t watched it yet, but viewing “The Charlie Brown Christmas” is a must in our house each year.

Another custom is the reading Luke 2. Traditionally I devour the familiar words, enjoying each detail surrounding the birth of Jesus, from Zachariah’s angel encounter to the shepherd’s hillside flash mob.

A Savior has been born!!

They were told! It was proclaimed! Though humble and quiet, the birth of the Holy Babe of Bethlehem was announced and He was declared the Savior, the long-expected Messiah!

In today’s world, such a proclamation would instigate a flurry of media attention. Much like Great Britain’s royals, he’d be closely watched, analyzed and scrutinized.

Yet, according to the Bible, the tiny King is whisked into hiding, is mentioned again only briefly as a boy, and then essentially disappears for a time. His youth is not recorded and His royalty temporarily forgotten. By the time this boy-King has shed his swaddling clothes, He is unknown and obscure.

Breaking with my usual December tradition, I’ve been reading the gospel of John. Unlike the Luke, John skips Jesus’ childhood details and dives right into His Divine nature and the work of John the baptizer who declares, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” (John 1:29).

Once again, the proclamation is made – “The Messiah is HERE!” – only this time the messenger is not robed in white, but in camel skin. And angelic witnesses are replaced by ordinary men – such as fishermen and tax-collectors.

And the news, well, it was not new news. It was old news that had been forgotten and is retold and just the right time as Jesus begins His public ministry.

At first, those around Him didn’t know what to think.

Jesus? I know that guy! Isn’t he Joseph’s son?!

Jesus? Of Nazareth? Can anything good come from there? (John 1)

“Come and see,” was the simple reply.

And without the aid of Twitter, Snap chat or Facebook, the news spread: “We have found the Messiah!”

John the Baptist pointed Jesus out to Andrew, who told Simon. Philip got in on the action and told Nathaniel (our earlier ‘Nazarene’ nay-sayer who later declared, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!”

Come and see.

Did you notice that the news was spread with little preaching, little convincing, and without an “I’m right and you’re wrong” attitude?

Rather, a simple invitation was extended.

Come and see.

Come and see for yourself.

I think we can take a lesson from these early witnesses.

Our job is not to defend or debate the message of Jesus. Only to share it. Sincerely.

A witness does not need flowery words to convince a jury. A witness tells it like it is – a testimony of what was seen and heard, like this woman…

Her listeners did not take her word for it. No one should ever take our word for it. Let God prove Himself as He has done over the centuries. Testify, share what God has done in your life, then invite those who still need the message of our Savior to “see for yourself.”

Simple. Sincere. Like sweet little Linus, who confidently shares, “I know what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown!” we, too, can spread the news.

We – you and I – are today’s messengers. As 2017 approaches, how will you testify? Does being a witness for Christ make it into your top ten resolutions? Did it even make the list? Remember, you don’t have to convince anyone. That’s the Holy Spirit’s job. Just share the message.

A Savior has been born! Come and see!