Must Read Alaska is all about the news that matters most. No news matters more than the Good News that God became man, died, and rose again to save all who believe in Him from their sins. At Christmas time, millions of Christians across the globe pause to honor and reflect on the beautiful paradox that the eternal and omnipotent God became a poor, defenseless baby born in a manager.
Throughout Alaska, hundreds of churches host Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services each year. Nearly every Alaskan had the opportunity to hear the gospel preached either in person or online this Christmas.
The Christmas Story is so widespread in our communities that it is often taken for granted. The “reason for the season” has become cliche, a joyful reflection to some, but just an annoying maxim to others.
However, only a little over half of the world’s population experiences this familiarity with the Gospel. According to the Joshua Project, 43.7% of the world’s population is “unreached.”
Here in Alaska, anyone can consider the Christian faith and either choose to accept it or reject it, according to their reason and conviction. Alaskans can freely pick up a Bible or find an online version, visit a church or tune in to a livestreamed service, and explore and discuss Christian ideas.
However, thousands of people groups do not have access to Bibles, have never heard the Good News, never see nativities, never hear “Angels We Have Heard on High” or “Away in a Manager.”
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus issues the Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
For Christians, the Gospel is not an antique religious sentiment relegated to private life. The Gospel is the Good News that we share joyfully and eagerly with all peoples so that all people may also experience the joy, hope, and wonderous miracle of salvation through Jesus Christ. This is the greatest gift ever given, the most important news ever proclaimed, and the source of the brightest light in the darkest corners of the world.