First off, I have to tell you that Christmas is my favorite…yet most frustrating time of year. There’s nothing I like more than hangin’ out with friends and celebrating the Christmas Spirit. But, I have to be honest with you…after, ohhh, 25 parties and way too much FFF (forced family fun) I’m ready to move on. Move on from what? Move on from the artificial nature of what we’ve transformed this time of year into. Move on from plastic smiles and insincere greetings. Move on from credit card balances and cheap cologn. Move on from 75 degree winter weather. Move on from the hustle and bustle of an insane holiday existence. When December 25th arrives…I’m just ready to move on!
Now, please don’t misunderstand me…I’m all about the real “reason for the season”. However, I am a little concerned about our true allegiance to it. You see, I believe Christmas has become so commercialized that we automatically get sucked into a worldly lifestyle before we even realize it. I have friends who say every year, “I’m not gonna spend that much money next year!” Guess what? That vow never seems to materialize…it’s the “same old song and dance”.
In case you’re wondering, I’ve battled with this also. My nature is to overspend on about everything. If I’m buying a DVD player…it can’t just be a simple DVD player, it has to be the top of the line McDaddy DVD player. You know the one…the one that plays Blue Ray DVD’s, HD DVD’s, mp3’s, mp4’s, mpeg’s, cd’s, cassette tapes, eight tracks, LP’s, etc., etc. I’m worse than a little kid in a candy store. Consequently, God has dealt with me in this area…just being honest. We preachers have issues too!!!
Saying all that, I want to challenge you to Seize this Christmas Season. Don’t let it become about buying the biggest and best toys. I’m sure for many of you…you could probably afford about anything you want for Christmas. However, the real issue here is not whether or not you or I can afford it, but is it neccessary and does our needless spending spree’s honor our Savior’s birth.
In case you’re misunderstanding me, I’m not suggesting that we shouldn’t buy gifts for our friends or family. My point is this…our priorities can often be misplaced and we should be extremely cautious about how we choose to glorify our Savior.
So, how do we best glorify our Savior during this Christmas season:
1. If you haven’t already…give your heart to Him. He wants to be your Savior. As a matter of fact, His very purpose for being born was to rescue us from the grip of sin and death.
2. Celebrate your salvation. The most awesome gift ever given to man was Jesus. If He lives in your heart, then make it a priority to celebrate Him…He’s worthy of our praise.
3. Cherish your relationships. The nature of Christmas is busy-ness, but we can’t allow ourselves to get so busy that we miss some of the most awesome gifts God’s given to us…our family and friends. Make a conscious effort to let those closest to you know how much you love them.
4. Rededicate yourself to Church. I know I sound a little preachy, but Christ came and died for the church. So, if that’s the case, then our dedication to the church should be unquestioned. How’s your commitment to God’s church?
As I close I want to wish everyone a merry CHRIST-mas!!! I pray this Christmas is the best you’ve ever had and that God becomes more real to you this season than any other time in your life. SEIZE THE SEASON!!!
Read this…It all began right here – Luke 2:1-20.
Neal
PS – Our church wesite is down, it will be up in a few weeks!!!
