A painting of a chess game hangs in Paris. On one side of a table is a teen; on the other side is the devil. The young man is baffled because it looks as if the devil has him beaten. One day as a famous chess player was studying the painting, he shouted, “Son, I have found a move, one move; if you make that move you can lick the devil.” Well, long ago, angels knew Almighty God had just made a move that would defeat the devil and give us eternal life. To celebrate that giant move, angels appeared and sang loudly to lowly shepherds in Bethlehem. We read in Luke 2 that the shepherds were terrified at first, but an angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid! … I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: you will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” That angel was joined by a host of other angels that praised God –saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” By sending His Son into the world to redeem us, God’s move defeats the Devil and grants eternal life to all who choose to accept Him.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
