Well here we are again at Christmas time: schedules full, budget stretched, rushing here, rushing there. Amidst all of the business of the season I want you all to remember these things: Jesus is Lord and we're celebrating His coming to save us, this is a great season to be thankful in all things, and that our hearts should be as His toward others - loving, giving and serving. So often as we reach this time in the year we find ourselves so overcome by the commercialism and the self-inflicted business and turmoil that we lose sight of giving thanks to the Father and loving others. My challenge to us all, as it has been freshly presented to me by the Holy Spirit, is to keep those things clearly in view so we can fully enjoy this time and fulfill God's purpose. Remember the fact that in his infinite mercy, Father God chose to send Jesus to rescue us from sin (Romans 5:8) and that we have a great opportunity to express our gratitude for and to Jesus, while drawing others to know Him and do the same. So as we open up this Christmas season, let's truly realize that it is a great time to highlight for the entire world what we hold dear all year long: the divinity of Jesus and His work on our behalf, cherishing the relationships that God has blessed us with, and calling the lost of this world to know their purpose in the one true God.
May your Christmas season be blessed as you give thanks to God and express who He is to the entire world (Psalm 100:4; Matthew 5:13-16).
