Luke 2:10-11 But the angel said to them, "Do not be
afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah,
the Lord.
My mother had this saying when I tried
to explain why I had done something I shouldn't have. It went something like
this. "I suppose if ( fill in the name of one of my friends) jumped off a
cliff you would think it was okay to jump off a cliff too." My reply was
usually, "But Mom, I didn't jump off a cliff!" To this day I can
proudly say I have never jumped off a cliff. But, I have done my share of
stupid things to compensate for that failure.
Congratulations, you have survived
Christmas 2013. By now the presents will be unwrapped, and you may be
contemplating stocking up at the after Christmas sales. Or you may be exchanging
the gift that is just not right. While you are reflecting on what was Christmas
2013 and what is next, I would like to make a pitch for something to consider.
If you were asked the question what is wrong with how the world celebrates
Christmas, what would your answer be? It seems like a simple question. The
no-brainer answer is to dial back the commercialism. Or maybe it would be to
not place Christmas stuff on the store shelves until after Thanksgiving. Maybe
you would choose to say, celebrate the birth of the Christ Child without all
the political correctness. What ever your response I hope you will consider
this topic.
The message of a Savior being born is
lost in how our world chooses to celebrate Christmas. Each of us plays a part
in either perpetuating the worldview of Christmas, or being an agent for
change. You can start with something simple like saying "Merry Christmas" instead of
"Happy Holidays". It is simple, and states what you believe. Each of
us plays a role in how Christmas is celebrated. We make choices in where we
shop, where we celebrate with friends, and how we share the message of a Savior
is born for all mankind. You can go with the flow or choose to make a positive
difference. It is your choice, make it and make a difference. As for me, I have
11 months to shop for a nice outdoor nativity scene for my yard. That will be
my statement. Christmas is about the birth of our Savior and I need to show
that in my Christmas outdoor display.
PRAYER: Father,
our world chooses to diminish the presence of You, and Your Son at Christmas.
In our desire to fit in, we are tempted to not make waves. Forgive us, and
strengthen our resolve. Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us and fill us with the
courage to make a strong witness for Jesus. Help us to share the message of
Jesus with the love you have shown us.
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