Christmas Selections
Christmas Year Round
I love Christmas; and I’m the type that can’t wait to set up the tree and string the lights, I have that much joy for the holiday. Once Halloween comes to a close and the calendar changes one page from October to November, my decorations are up. You might think that I’ve been to a few too many department stores, whose Christmas stuff was up before Labor Day, but I don’t. I simply believe that the spirit of Christmas should be a year-round event.
The needy and their families don’t need gifts and material items of comfort just at Christmas, they have needs year-round; likewise we need Christ, the reason for Christmas, year-round. Whenever we ask Christ into our lives, that’s the best and joyous gift that we could ever receive. Thus, the celebration of the birth of Christ shouldn’t just exist just in December with the hanging of the greens and Lent; but there should be a celebration of Christ’s birth within our lives when we say “yes, come into my life dear Jesus.” I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Life with Christ…year-round!
Things aren't Always What They Seem
The most memorable gift I received one Christmas was from my father, which began with a card in which he wrote, “Things aren’t always what they seem.” The gift itself was a box of envelopes, to which I unwrapped and put to the side; perhaps it was a hint to write him more, so I thought! I didn’t recall a box of envelopes on my Christmas wish list, but was expecting the next gift to be a book of stamps.
“What did you think of your gift?” dad asked, to which I responded, “Well yeah, thanks for the envelopes!” He reminded me of what he had written in the card, that “things aren’t always what they seem.” He hinted that I should take a look in each envelope, which I found two hundred dollars in twenty dollar bills!
The mall quickly attracted my wallet as like a magnet, after I first set aside ten percent of my gift ( or twenty dollars ) for the church and the storehouse of God; with prayers that it would be multiplied to edify the churches mission of reaching out to the community. When we freely give to God ten percent of the fruits of our labors, or in this regard gift; we can expect miracles to happen in our lives. It can be difficult, especially when you think of all the bills you have to pay that seem to pile up like football players at a fumbled ball; ten percent however, isn’t much to ask when we realize that Christ- who came in the flesh of righteousness, gave his life for us.
The phrase “things aren’t always what they seem” stuck with me on that Christmas Day. We encounter many moments in life when things don’t seem to be going right; when it seems that we’re face to face with mass confusion. Especially when the hurts, habits and hang-ups; the physical things we were dependent upon, begin to fall apart. We may wonder when the next fresh breath of air will come.
I would like to rewind in time for a moment, back to the very beginning with Adam and Eve. They both made a mistake, and although they tried casting the blame away from themselves, they realized that they had goofed up. God put them out of the garden- after he clothed them. Our God is a caring and loving God, even when we mess up! I imagine that Adam and Eve felt very powerless; having realized their wrong and their consequence. A very hopeless situation, it would seem; but even in their dilemma, God provided hope. I don’t think that they recognized it at the time; and often we overlook positive days to come in the midst of our stressful situations.
Things aren’t always what they seem! God told Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15 “I will put enmity between you and the women and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head and you will strike his heal.” This was called the Edenic Covenant or, protoevangelium; and was the first prophecy of the bible. It is the first promise regarding a seed, it is the first note of salvation that was to come through Jesus Christ-way back in the beginning. The offspring of Eve, through the lineage, would eventually crush the serpent’s head, a promise fulfilled in Christ’s victory over Satan. Romans 16:20 is a reference to Satans final doom back to Genesis 3:15….”The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Adam and Eve didn’t realize it at the time; however, that there was hope to come into the world.
Things aren’t always what they seem! God will never give us more than what we can handle, and although it mat seem like it at times, God will never forsake us. His promise from Adam and Eve carried through a darkened world for many years, many hopeless moments as they seemed, many tough and trying moments. Then something happens that brings light and hope into a darkened world, something that brings the opportunity to rejoice-bring power to the powerless- the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Renewed life, and through Christ, the forgiveness of sins. Christ came as righteousness in flesh, as a mentor that we can learn from-to be Christ like ( and thus the word Christian ). The birth of Christ truly changed the world. The Christmas story can be found in Luke 2:1-20.
Great Tidings
The book of Nehemiah describes a people many years ago trying to build a future in what many believed to be an impossible environment. We read this is Nehemiah 4:2 which says, “He spoke in the presence of his brothers and the wealthy men of
Structures all around had fallen to rubble and former gates of protection were rendered inoperative. How often can that happen in our lives if we establish our comfort and strength in physical rather than spiritual avenues. How vulnerable the people must have felt, especially when the realization hit that all the judgements of God around them had come because of careless dealing with and false handling of the Word of God. We all fall short of the mark in our spiritual walk, and many times as our lives crumble under hurts, habits and hangups- the tendency is to break down and become one with the seemingly hopeless ruin everywhere.
It doesn’t have to be that way forever, however; God spoke to the people in the book of Nehemiah through his servants, telling them not to be sorrowful. The Word of the Lord for that moment in history was “The joy of the Lord is your strength” ( Nehemiah 8:10 ). God has delighted in bringing them to himself and giving each one the power to build anew with a strength which only he could give. God desires a personal relationship with each one of us. So also today, you and I can stand in our difficult times, rejoicing in the eternal truth once proclaimed: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of
Merry Christmas and may the New Year bring to you renewed understanding of the great provision in Jesus Christ, which God has for you!
AMEN!
Give Thanks
Thanksgiving 2007 has come and gone, the word gone having two meanings. The holiday season has gone in terms of the calendar day, and it seems also that the spirit of Thanksgiving has faded with the final hours of that holiday. On Thanksgiving Day across our nation, and to many nations beyond where our soldiers bravely serve our country, we all gave thanks for health, families, for another year behind us and what God has done for us. Next comes "Black Friday" for millions of shoppers and then straight into the Christmas season. What happened to the spirit of Thanksgiving?
Personally, I celebrate thanksgiving everytime I open my small fridge to find food staples...thankyou God for providing another day and another meal. When I turn on my shower, even as every apartment in the building seems to flush their toilets at the same time, I celebrate thanksgiving...thankyou God. for providing water, the symbol of life and essential life source physically. As I depart the warm embrace of my apartment to an arctic chill, I thank God for the air we breathe. It can be frustrating to use the metro-transit system of the big city, when it seems that the drivers are two time zones behind; however, I thank God for another opportunity to greet those around me in the name of Christ.
There are many times in a day to give thanks to God, even when things don't seem to be going right, for we should count it our joy when we meet obstalces of many kinds. How do you count it a joy, you may ask, when you're late for work because the car wont start? When the utility bills stack up, as your finances tumble, how do you count it your joy? When we meet trials of many kinds, and as we overcome these obstacles, we realize that through God everything is possible for those who believe. It may not seem easy to give thanks in the worst of times, however, its in the worst of times especially to give thansk to God. God sent his only Son Jesus into a darkened world to bring light. Jesus, Our King of Kings, rode upon a donkey rather than horse and chariot; similar to perhaps an executive and CEO of a bank riding on a bicycle! When we feel that we're facing a battle that we cannot win, realize and take comfort that our battles have already been won. Christ took all the pains of mankind upon the cross, praise God!
Early in my adult life, I experienced what it was like to be homeless, for close to two years. It wasn't easy to stay warm on cold, blustery winter days; wondering where the next meal will come from. Fortunately, I was homeless in Massachusetts where the "bottle bill" provided for a five cent refund for every can picked up and recycled. During one walk upon the beach during summer days, one could collect $40 worth of cans. During these two years, I gave thanks for the clothes upon my back, for the soup kitchens and missions who served a hot meal, for the sanctuary of the homeless shelter, and for God who provided each new day.
We often take each day for granted, especially the procrastinators; however there's a phrase in reality that says " Yesterday is history, tommorow is not a guarantee." This phrase tells us that we can't go backward to re-write history, and that each day is truly a gift from God. We face an ultimate unknown, the day of judgement; it could very well be today, scrubbing out the "tommorow." Other unknowns include what ifs, which do occur, such as a sudden heart attack or the drunken driver barreling through a red light into our path. What if tommorow never came to be? Do we have Christ in our hearts and life today? Let us truly give thanks for today, that we have the opportunity today to repent, to draw closer to God. Let us give thanks for an awesome God, who will provide, through whom all things are possible to those who believe!
Dear Heavenly Creator, My Comfort and Guide; I thankyou for today, for all you have provided for me. I believe that you're an awesome God, and I thankyou for sending your only son, Jesus Christ, to shed his blood upon the cross for my sins. Today, I turn my life to Christ and give thanks for new and eternal life. AMEN
Christmas Poem
With glittering lights blanketing the land, The celebration of the birth of Christ is close at hand.
Chorus's and bells echo across the nation, As the birth of Christ brought lifes new reason.
As a cover of snow blankets the land, We know that blessings of peace, hope, love and joy are soon at hand.
As the winter solstice days get darker, We continously give thanks to our heavenly maker.
Advent is a season to give, A season to love.
As season to breathe, A season to believe.
Advent is a season to feel alive. Another year that we survived.
Though the winter seems cold and bare, It brings the celebration of a grand affair.
The birth of the Christ-child, As we hear tunes of Hark the Herald.
The promised newborn King, Brought blessings to be seen.
And as Christ grew, Those blessings for all of humanity shone through.
Merry Christmas to you, And to all you know too!
Christmas
Christmas is the most pleasurable and joyous time of the year...carols echo through the streets as parades pass through, as a multitude of lights are strung and lit, as presents are laid graciously before the tree-so beautifully dressed; and as Christmas day draws near fresh pies and ginger bread are baked. Christmas dinner is prepared, eaten, and the football games begin!
Yes, all seems so joyous at this time of year- but as Christmas becomes so commercialized at this day in age, one thing seems to be forgoteen-Christ. How many times do you see or recieve a card with X-mas printed over it inside and out, or notice a window display exclaiming: Merry-Xmas!
Christ is the reason for the season-not X. Christ, he's the reason for life-the spirit of giving and his life should be celebrated year-round. I pray that Christ is put back into Christmas, and that everyone may have a Merry CHRISTmas and a prosperous New Year.
Holiday Season
The holiday season is here once again, minus the glittering snow cover in various parts of the world...but Santa Claus is here, there and everywhere; and that's what bothered me. Being only nine years old, I would call my friend Joe and tell him I sat in Santas lap; and yet, he being fifty miles down the road, sat in Santas lap at the exact same time. I still believe in mom and dad, er Santa, its the symbol of giving.
Tradition is wrapping gifts to put under the Christmas tree, bound by a sheath of color and ties...the freshly cut tree laden in a flurry of garland and illuminated by twinkling lights. Stores are out their ears with shoppers mingling here and there, finding the right sizes and making ties with old acquaintances as they pass by. Holiday melodies echo throughout the Muzak system, and registers sing rampantly to to their own rythm, something we make out too be "Oh Don't Cometh ye Tax Season we Can't Payeth No More" Carolers at the doorstep singing of glorious praises, and pastries and cakes in the oven for a hearty Christmas meal. Sitting before the television, more joviant programs are aired, and rubbish bins are waiting...for that Christmas wrap, of course.
The holiday season is giving more than gifts, however, it's being together and sharing the spirit and harmony of peace; while recognizing that Christ was the reason for the season. It's time to set aside strife, which in some parts of the world today are not reality, unfortunately. The homeless and less fortunate, those who are living in the rough...some have no place to turn for the holiday, nothing is wrapped pretty, and the scent of nearby roasting wood, its steam pouring out the chimney, is all there is. The holiday season does something to you, though, and you feel that inner feeling of tranquility, and thats what its all about.
Christ-Mas
The CHRISTmas season is here once again, but as I ponder ....is this really the only time we celebrate the season? You see, this is the season when we're in the spirit of giving; it's the time when we celebrate the birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ. Birth...a new life. When we ask the Lord to come into our life-our lives and spirit have been renewed; God gave the world Peace and Hope through Jesus, and when Jesus died, we were given salvation for all of man...no matter what they may have done...Jesus provided a way.
CHRISTmas has been commercialized over the years, and it's sad when it seems that CHRIST has been dropped from CHRISTmas in place of X-MAS. Who's Mr. X anyway? I only know one Jesus, one CHRIST-the reason for the season.
You can't miss the twinkling lights as you drive home from work..lights that drape houses, weave through tree branches, and line walkways. These holiday lights really do light up our community as the sun sets early, when the cold and darkness set in; and when our community gets cold and dark, when drugs and violence become a growing problem-the Lord we trust and praise in these years is our light which guide us. Kind of hard to ride down those bumpy roads with no lights, isn't it? The obstacles we face in ou daily lives are easier to navigate in his light.
We give gifts to one another on Christmas Day...when we reach out to those in need and bring them to God...when hey open their heart and souls to the Lord Jesus our Savior, thats the greatest gift a person will ever need....and the feeling of renewal in their hearts is joyous...just as the mood that CHRISTmas should be.
