Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
from my family...
Let me introduce them. In the family picture, the back row has our son Brent and his wife Sol, our son Chad and his wife Dorothy, middle row Jerry and I and down in the center is our daughter Jen. The picture of the loving couple is of my mom and dad. The picture of our three adult children, the joy of our lives, Brent, Jen and Chad...
When almighty God left the splendors of His throne room of heaven to be born as a vulnerable little baby boy here on this earth…it changed EVERYTHING. His coming brought hope, joy and a revolutionary love.
No one knows when Christ was actually born, but early Christians who wanted to celebrate his birth, picked a day mid-winter…the day we call Christmas. Christmas was set aside as a day to remember Christ’s humble beginnings and the purpose for His coming; our salvation.
"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT
So, what happened? How did a time set aside to celebrate the birth of our Savior turn into a season of stress, frustration, traffic jams, shopping lists and marathon shopping sprees? (Black Friday) For many, the peace and joy of Christ’s birth has been replaced by exhaustion and debt and an empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas? Is this really what Christmas should be about?
When almighty God left the splendors of His throne room of heaven to be born as a vulnerable little baby boy here on this earth…it changed EVERYTHING. His coming brought hope, joy and a revolutionary love.
No one knows when Christ was actually born, but early Christians who wanted to celebrate his birth, picked a day mid-winter…the day we call Christmas. Christmas was set aside as a day to remember Christ’s humble beginnings and the purpose for His coming; our salvation.
"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT
So, what happened? How did a time set aside to celebrate the birth of our Savior turn into a season of stress, frustration, traffic jams, shopping lists and marathon shopping sprees? (Black Friday) For many, the peace and joy of Christ’s birth has been replaced by exhaustion and debt and an empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas? Is this really what Christmas should be about?
I don't think so, do you? I think Christmas should be about taking time to BE with family and friends...not just rushing in and out of their lives. But truly being with them. Making memories, reflecting on old memories, sharing joys and sorrows and of course, remembering the reason we have set aside this time...CHRIST. It should be about giving to those who cannot give back. Not just our finances, but our time, talent patience, courtesy and smiles.
Sure, go ahead and deck the halls with boughs of holly. And if you are not big on the whole woodsy stuff, try twinkle lights, angels, bears or penquins. Penguins are a particular favorite of mine. Enjoy the cards you send and receive. Use those cards later for your family prayer lists. We did this when our children were small and then burned the cards in the fireplace. I don't know how much the kids liked praying, but they sure enjoyed the fire. Bake and cook up a storm. Enjoy whatever family traditions that have been passed down to you, and maybe start a few new ones. But don't let any of it turn into marathon, endurance contests. Enjoy the holidays with family and friends and make sure you don't forget the Birthday BOY/MAN/SAVIOR/KING!
SEE: A man playing multiple instruments: An accordian in his hands, cymbals attached to his legs at his knees, a harmonica attached to a harness hanging by his mouth and horns under his arms that squacks when he squeeses his elbows to his body. But don't miss the joyful countenance on his face. No concentration there, trying to keep all of this going...just pure joy.
Hear the Lord say, "Praise Me continually. It brings joy to My heart, especially when I know you are experiencing the vicissitudes of life. It's not because I'm an egomaniac. It's because worship opens my hand and worry closes it. I cannot respond to worry; I can only wait until you cease worrying and begin to praise. I know there is much that can perplex, distract and perhaps even overwhelm you in this season of life. But as long as you lift your voice and heart in praise it will not defeat nor will it destroy you. Praise sweet child. Praise! "
posted by pastorc @ 2:43 PM
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