It is ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’ – the story of God’s own son coming to earth to reconcile a broken and lost people back to their Creator.
The beautiful story of the birth of Jesus is why we celebrate Christmas. It has the charm of a sweet young virgin mother, a baby conceived not by natural means but by the Holy Spirit, a devoted earthly father, and it all happens in the small town of Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago.
But, that is just the beginning of this great story. We then have the adventures of the boy growing into a man who journeys throughout Israel ministering to the people by teaching, healing and raising the dead to life. The full account of Jesus’ life unfolds in a God-ordained fashion, including fabulous miracles.
Gradually intrigue steps into the picture in the form of the religious teachers of the day, the Pharisees. Not wanting to lose their high positions or maybe just too hardhearted to believe, the Pharisees plot and connive to kill Jesus. When they succeed, we celebrate, not the death, but the resurrection of our Lord at Easter.
God is still at work every hour of every day calling people to Himself. He calls to us using churches and believers but God – the ultimate Creative Mind – also calls people in their dreams and by other means.
So how does He reach out to those who have never before heard the Good News? God is using brilliant minds, creative talent and the latest technology to tell the greatest story ever told.
If you have not had the opportunity to view at least one episode of “The Chosen,” you cannot imagine the impact this series is having far and wide. Seasons one and two of “The Chosen” are now available in over 70 languages – everything from Arabic to Zulu.
What impact this one series is having on souls only God truly knows. As season four is about to premiere new episodes in theaters starting in February, my husband, Neil, and I have been re-watching seasons one, two and three, planning to finish in mid-January just in time to watch season four.
One of the many blessing of this series, which dramatizes the life of Jesus of Nazareth, is that everyone can watch it for free – anywhere in the world – just by downloading the free Angel Studio App.
I find this almost astounding but I know how loving our God is. So even though I am surprised on a human level, on a spiritual level I am delighted that God has not given up on us and is not done calling us yet. He wishes to tell, and for all to hear, the greatest story ever imagined.
That is just one example of God using His devoted people to further His work. For years now we have been able to hold the entire Bible in the palm of our hand as downloaded apps from Bible Hub, Bible Gateway and other websites. These downloads come with numerous Bible helps, including commentaries and study tools. Both apps have been translated into numerous languages to facilitate spreading the Good News.
The Bible Project is another technological marvel created by a pastor and his friend from Bible College. Tim Mackie, who received his Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible and Jewish Studies, is an extremely gifted Bible teacher, especially for those of us who learn best visually.
The Bible Project is also available by its free app. All the resources, and there are many, are offered at no cost. As its name might have you guess, this site offers various means to assist us in understanding our God and the Bible in a more intimate way.
The Bible Project offers everything from podcasts, videos and very understandable overviews of every book in the Bible to college level seminary classes. To share the story worldwide, many of their resources have been translated into more than 55 languages.
God is not done yet. He continues to open the doors to all who seek and promises they will find Him. All of this is made ever easier by technology and the work of innovative souls who love God and are willing to be obedient to His calling.
This Christmas, introduce a loved one or yourself to one of these free gifts for inquiring minds. For the Scriptures tell us, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Enjoy a blessed Christmas learning more about Jesus – God’s free gift to us.
ED. NOTE: Amy Patsch writes from Ocean City. Email her at writerGoodGod@gmail.com.
