The story is told of a British preacher who came to the United States. He had prepared a careful three point sermon on the subject of the word, “But.” No one had told him that in America “butt” means “backside.”
And so he embarked on the first point of his carefully prepared sermon: “Everyone has a ‘but.’” He was a little confused by the congregation’s response.
Undeterred, he carried on to his second point, “You can see other people’s ‘buts.’”
It didn’t seem that the congregation was getting his argument at all, but he carried on with his third and most significant point: “But you can’t see your own ‘but.’”
Everyone in the Christmas account has a “but.” Zechariah, Elizabeth, Joseph, Mary, the shepherd. “But, I’m too old/it’s not my child/I’m a virgin/we’re just lowly shepherds/etc.”
Christ’s arrival erased the “buts” in spectacular fashion!
God’s promises fulfilled erase our “buts,” too. “But, I can’t endure this/I’m uncertain/I’m afraid/I can’t do this alone.” The name of Jesus (Savior) and his name Immanuel (God with us) assure us that our “buts” are unnecessary.
This Christmas and beyond, may your “buts” be removed! May you emerge from the overload of the season “but”-free.” No hesitation to believe, no hesitation to serve, no “buts” at all!
Christ has come…and he is coming again! The following Scripture expresses both events precisely and powerfully – no “ifs,” “ands,” or “buts.” “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people… We wait for the blessed hope, that is, the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11,13)
God be with you!
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
And so he embarked on the first point of his carefully prepared sermon: “Everyone has a ‘but.’” He was a little confused by the congregation’s response.
Undeterred, he carried on to his second point, “You can see other people’s ‘buts.’”
It didn’t seem that the congregation was getting his argument at all, but he carried on with his third and most significant point: “But you can’t see your own ‘but.’”
Everyone in the Christmas account has a “but.” Zechariah, Elizabeth, Joseph, Mary, the shepherd. “But, I’m too old/it’s not my child/I’m a virgin/we’re just lowly shepherds/etc.”
Christ’s arrival erased the “buts” in spectacular fashion!
God’s promises fulfilled erase our “buts,” too. “But, I can’t endure this/I’m uncertain/I’m afraid/I can’t do this alone.” The name of Jesus (Savior) and his name Immanuel (God with us) assure us that our “buts” are unnecessary.
This Christmas and beyond, may your “buts” be removed! May you emerge from the overload of the season “but”-free.” No hesitation to believe, no hesitation to serve, no “buts” at all!
Christ has come…and he is coming again! The following Scripture expresses both events precisely and powerfully – no “ifs,” “ands,” or “buts.” “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people… We wait for the blessed hope, that is, the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11,13)
God be with you!
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
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