| (Christ)mas (Christ)mas is fast approaching. A magical time of year blanketed with captivating lights, decorations and giving like no other time of year. As we ponder what gifts to buy, for whom, how much money we can spend on each, how much debt we are willing to incur…to save face, to be accepted, or to bring joy to another and ourselves through participating in the act of giving and receiving…whether the act is tit-for-tat or of a pure motivation to give…may we too, and perhaps above all other considerations – remember from whence this season, this day of (Christ)mas, was born. May we first and foremost, remember our Savior. (Christ)mas is the outward celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Nothing more, nothing less. May we celebrate Jesus Christ and remember Him on this day that represents His birth. May we spend time with Him for His birthday and give Him praise and thanks for dying on the cross for our sins, that we may have the opportunity to invite Him into our hearts and our lives, to be our Lord and Savior - that we may receive eternal life with Him in heaven. I pray as we struggle with societal demands to buy, spend, outdo, etc…spending money on things that are fleeting rather than things that truly matter…may we give and receive to and from each other the ultimate gift none of us could ever purchase…His offer for salvation. I pray that as we do in life when a loved one’s birthday comes around, may we do also with the Lord on the day that celebrates His birth --- spend time with Him --- may we see Him in everyone we fellowship with this (Christ)mas, may we offer Him to all we interact with and meet whether friend, foe, stranger, or love… may we seek Him first and allow Him to show us the ‘perfect’ gifts for each of those we love. Without Jesus Christ, there would be no (Christ)mas. I pray with all of my heart that this truth, may we never ever forget. This life is temporary. There is a life to come. The choice is ours what that life will be – eternity with God in heaven, or hell…. I pray that we will love all of those we plan to buy gifts for this (Christ)mas enough, to give each of them - along with the tangible presents we have purchased, the free gift that under the New Covenant with Christ, is available to us all…May we share the gorgeous packages, candles, yummy meals, fellowship, adventures, decorations, awesome smelling trees, fireplaces and lights…all good and wonderful things He has made and provided for our pleasure, and may we too – share Him! He is right there, standing beside each and all, just waiting for an invitation to join the celebration – set a place for Him at your table and when others ask who it’s for – share with them that the place set is for the guest of honor…the One (Christ)mas is for…and if you know Him already – include Him first and foremost. It is after all, His birthday celebration!! Merry Christmas to each and all -- and to all I pray that His love, peace, grace, discipline, strength, protection and light will inhabit every part of your person and your life, always. Elizabeth Chalker and Symon Copyright © November 25, 2010, Elizabeth Chalker. www.helpelizabeth.net Copyright (c), 2012. All rights reserved. This website cannot be duplicated or altered in any way without the written permission of the owners. |
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