What is Different This Christmas?
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’” — Luke 2:10-11
Doesn't it seem like yesterday we we celebrating last Christmas and here it is again, a year later. The TV and newspapers are full of advertisements telling people to get the best gift for someone at their stores. They're more than willing to tell you what that best gift is: jewelry, cars, furs, clothing. All of these gifts sound plausible to the average person.but for the person who loves God, we know that Christmas has a totally different meaning. I confess that I often let myself get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas. I worry about purchasing the right gift. I worry that people won't like what I got. I get concerned about having my house and my tree just so. Yet the truth is that it's not about the decorations or the trees or the shopping or tinsel but it's about the son of God who came to earth as a baby over 2000 years ago to be born to a virgin. He later grew up, was betrayed and died on the cross for our sins. We know this, most of us do anyway. Yet, I know that sometimes I get caught up in the same rat race. So what is different this year? For me, I am regaining focus. Oh sure, I completed my shopping weeks ago and the presents are wrapped and ready to place under the tree but I realize that this isn't the most important thing to me. This year it's about the True Gift that was given to us. My prayer for you is that you have the opportunity to take a break from all of the hustling and bustling to regain your focus as well.
Dear Father,
Thank you again for sending your Son to die for me.
Thank you for the remembrance
of the gift you gave us so many years ago.
Help me to be an encouragement to others about what you have given us.
In your precious Son's name,
Amen.
Doesn't it seem like yesterday we we celebrating last Christmas and here it is again, a year later. The TV and newspapers are full of advertisements telling people to get the best gift for someone at their stores. They're more than willing to tell you what that best gift is: jewelry, cars, furs, clothing. All of these gifts sound plausible to the average person.but for the person who loves God, we know that Christmas has a totally different meaning. I confess that I often let myself get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas. I worry about purchasing the right gift. I worry that people won't like what I got. I get concerned about having my house and my tree just so. Yet the truth is that it's not about the decorations or the trees or the shopping or tinsel but it's about the son of God who came to earth as a baby over 2000 years ago to be born to a virgin. He later grew up, was betrayed and died on the cross for our sins. We know this, most of us do anyway. Yet, I know that sometimes I get caught up in the same rat race. So what is different this year? For me, I am regaining focus. Oh sure, I completed my shopping weeks ago and the presents are wrapped and ready to place under the tree but I realize that this isn't the most important thing to me. This year it's about the True Gift that was given to us. My prayer for you is that you have the opportunity to take a break from all of the hustling and bustling to regain your focus as well.
Dear Father,
Thank you again for sending your Son to die for me.
Thank you for the remembrance
of the gift you gave us so many years ago.
Help me to be an encouragement to others about what you have given us.
In your precious Son's name,
Amen.
I found your blog and have joined, like your Christmas post...
ReplyDeletecome ck mine if you would like,
http://arpaul-paula.blogspot.com
Sandi Rogi has blog here too where she tells of the B17.
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
a goodread friend