As we count down the days to Christmas, the hustle and bustle is in full swing. However, for many it is the business of buying presents, and planning and attending parties, and ways of the world. For many it is allowing themselves to go into debt to do these things because we get caught up in the marketing of the world, and make foolish decisions, and think wrong thoughts of what is important. We get very tired and very stressed, and even depressed because of the wrong kind of thinking, and wrong kind of activity.
We give gifts because it is indeed a time of giving. We celebrate because it is a time of celebration. But it is not about how plush the gifts are, or how elaborate the parties are, or who is invited, or who comes, or who goes. The presents, and our presence should simply be about love; celebrating what has been given to us by our loving Heavenly Father.
The Gospel of Luke gives us a wonderful account of the great gift. As we know, Luke was a Doctor that followed and was included in the work of Paul of spreading the Good News about what God has done through Christ Jesus. He said, “I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning from those who were eye-witnesses and servants of the Word. I thought it good to write an orderly account so that you might know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” ( Luke 1: 3, 4)
We were taught that a Savior would come – beginning at (Genesis 3:15). We were taught God would give us a sign of His love and redemption. That sign would be that a virgin would give birth to a son, and he would be called Immanuel.(God with us) some 700 hundred years before His birth. (Isaiah 7:14.) The Word tells us as the virgin Mary was selected to carry this son, she was told by the angel of God Gabriel, that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and that she would conceive a child that would be the Son of God. His name was to be Jesus, (God who saves.) This same message was given to Joseph, her husband to be. (Matthew 1: 20-23) God loves us. He was about to send His Son to save us from sin and death. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. That whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
As we celebrate this season, let us celebrate the true meaning of it. Let us keep it simple and in perspective. Let us realize how magnificent this Good News is. God is love – so are we. This is a time of peace on earth, and good will toward men. We have been taught that truth. Let us teach it by what we think, what we speak, and how we live.
May you be blessed in all things, God’s Beloveds. May you prosper and be in good health even as your souls prosper. May you relax, and rest in His peace.
Poppa B.
Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, On Line