Sainted Pastor A. J. Meyer used to tell a personal story that came from his days in St. Louis while at the seminary somewhere around 1919. In those days, in the middle of downtown St. Louis on Market Street, there was an extensive exhibit of Christmas. The entire story of Christ's birth was on display for all to see. Walking around the square one night seminarian Meyer came upon a small boy standing quietly before the display. Do you know what this is about? Meyer asked the lad. The boy shook his head back and forth but didn't speak. Would you like to know? This time the boy nodded his head - yes. A. J. Meyer began to explain, scene by scene the entire display, the story of the greatest gift of the universe's greatest love. Finally finished the lad looked up at him and said, Mister, nobody ever told me nuthin' about all that.

Nobody has ever told the Good News about Jesus in a meaningful way to four billion people in the world. It is our Father's business to tell them and we must be about our Father's business as our Lord, already at the age of twelve, was about His Father's business. The story is recorded in the 2nd chapter of Luke. An untold number of visitors including Mary and Joseph had come to Jerusalem for the feast. At the conclusion of the feast they started back home to Nazareth. Unknown to Mary and Joseph Jesus had stayed behind. After three days of searching they found Jesus in the temple courts sitting among the teachers listening and asking questions. Son why have you treated us so? Jesus responded with an amazing question, Why were you searching for me? Didn't you know I had to be (about His business) in my Father's house?

It's time for us to be about His business. At the start of every New Year many look forward to better things; the very reason people make resolutions. Here is a good New Year's resolution with an eye to our Father's business. Resolve to share the Good News about Jesus in a meaningful way with at least one unchurched person. It's not as hard as you might think. You might bring someone to church with you where they will hear the Good News. Or if you are one who enjoys talking to people, think about how you might better develop your personal witness. On the other hand, if the gift of gab is not one of your gifts look for other ways to witness. Most importantly be in God's Word regularly. Then you will be prepared when the time comes for you to tell about Jesus.

It was on New Year's Day in 1907 that America's president shook hands with 8510 people. It was a world's record that stood for 70 years. In this New Year let our resolution be a lead in for the Father's business of telling the good news about Jesus.

Pastor Kelly Mitteis