Earlier today I began writing my next ‘article’ for the church’s newsletter. Since it will be for December, I thought about the wonder of Christmas and all that attends this time of year. Personally, it is and has always been my favorite time of the year. It’s those ‘attends’ things that occur that I’ve always enjoyed: the smells of baking cookies, the soft snow as it drifts silently down, the carolers (though that’s typically for a different era), the fun of trying to buy something reallllly special to give, the music, the cocoa after sledding or skating, the generally good mood everyone exudes. There are other aspects, but that paints the picture.
Then I thought about what Christmas means, and I wrote the following:
December is the month that we celebrate our Lord’s birthday. In the hustle and
bustle of preparing for Christmas, do we give the ‘reason for the season’ much
thought? Not criticism, unless the Lord is only an afterthought rather than the
center of the celebrating. Regardless, if you were to give the Lord a birthday
present… what would you give? What would you hope or want to give – this year?
Is this even important to you?
bustle of preparing for Christmas, do we give the ‘reason for the season’ much
thought? Not criticism, unless the Lord is only an afterthought rather than the
center of the celebrating. Regardless, if you were to give the Lord a birthday
present… what would you give? What would you hope or want to give – this year?
Is this even important to you?
Those weren’t presumptuous questions… and your answers to them describe
the kind of relationship you have with the Lord of Lords, King of Kings… and
friend (?). Perhaps the question for you is – do you believe Jesus’ words in
John 15:15 are meant for you. They are you know. Jesus was calling His disciples,
friends. And if He is your Lord, He also is Your friend. Can you imagine yourself
in this type of relationship? If not… why? How do you describe/define ‘friend’?
the kind of relationship you have with the Lord of Lords, King of Kings… and
friend (?). Perhaps the question for you is – do you believe Jesus’ words in
John 15:15 are meant for you. They are you know. Jesus was calling His disciples,
friends. And if He is your Lord, He also is Your friend. Can you imagine yourself
in this type of relationship? If not… why? How do you describe/define ‘friend’?
It was His choice to offer you friendship… it is yours to accept – or not. Perhaps,
this is the birthday present you can give, a more engaged and active friendship.
He has so very much waiting for you to discover and that He wants to enrich and
enable you. But with every gift… you have to accept it. If you think the problem
is you – that you believe you aren’t ‘good enough’ or righteous to be a friend?
Never forget 2 Corinthians 5:17-22 – you were made, by Him, righteous. Period.
Friendship is a joy to discover and explore. It is also a wonderful gift to give.
this is the birthday present you can give, a more engaged and active friendship.
He has so very much waiting for you to discover and that He wants to enrich and
enable you. But with every gift… you have to accept it. If you think the problem
is you – that you believe you aren’t ‘good enough’ or righteous to be a friend?
Never forget 2 Corinthians 5:17-22 – you were made, by Him, righteous. Period.
Friendship is a joy to discover and explore. It is also a wonderful gift to give.
It’s true, you know. Friendship was extended to us. Remember the verse that talks about Jesus brought gifts to man when He came? Sometimes we need to be reminded of our ‘status’ with the Lord. He offered friendship. Did we accept?
