Make The Most Of This Christmas
Merry ChristmasI don’t mind admitting that I’m still much like a child when it comes to Christmas. You can feel the magic and anticipation in the air. However, to make the most of any Christmas we all need the right focus and perspective. Here are five things I believe will help us make the most of this wonderful season called Christmas.
#1 Enjoy Time With FAMILY & FRIENDS. We live in a world that is seeking to part ways with everything God values most. One of those things is family. In the process, the American family continues to fall apart. We pride ourselves in staying busy, living independent, and doing things our way. God designed us all to do life together. God made us to live in close fellowship with himself and others. Who knows what will happen between now and the next time you gather. Forget about football, deadlines, and anything else that can wait. Enjoy the time you have with your loved ones and don’t assume those times will come again.
#2 Remember The LESS FORTUNATE. Nothing is more Christ-like than being mindful of the needs of others. Not everyone will have plenty to eat and family gathered around them. Jesus went above and beyond to show His love for us and others. He gave up His life in hopes of having a personal relationship with each of us. We too should go above and beyond to show others that same kind of love. Invite the lonely to join you. Do what you can for those who are struggling and need their spirits lifted. Anything less is simply ungodly and unacceptable if we call ourselves Christ followers.
#3 Count Your BLESSINGS. I still recall the hymn we used to sing often at church. “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done.” Often we focus on what we don’t have instead of realizing all that surrounds us. Yes, pull out a piece of paper and list all the blessings in your life. I guarantee your list of blessings will be much longer than your list of wants and complaints. Remember every good gift comes down from God above.
#4 Look For GOD MOMENTS. There is something about the holidays that opens hearts. Hearts that might otherwise be cold. Look for moments to share God’s love. Look for moments to testify of God’s faithfulness in your life. Look for God-given windows that provide opportunity to share God’s love and hope with others. The shepherds who encountered baby Jesus for themselves didn’t just keep the good news to themselves, but they couldn’t wait to share the hope of Christ with others.
#5 Focus On The REASON FOR THE SEASON. We say Christmas is all about Jesus and then we make it all about us and buying gifts. We talk a lot about a reindeer named Rudolph and a jolly man named Saint Nick. Yet, outside of our little manger scene figurines, Jesus is hardly discussed even for his birthday. We must put forth an intentional effort to make the main thing, the main thing. Otherwise, Christmas becomes just another man-made holiday instead of the God made celebration it should be. Ever Christmas Eve our family gathers and sings together Happy Birthday to Jesus. Why not? He is the reason for the season.
(Isaiah 9:6)(NIV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU & YOUR FAMILY!
Pastor Craig Crosby 