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As you read this, we are only about a week away from Christmas. Do you
remember when that would bring joy to your heart? But now as we draw nearer
to the Holidays, all it means is a busy, hectic schedule with relatives
visiting, visiting relatives, cooking huge meals, baking holiday goodies,
buying presents, figuring finances, digging out white elephant gifts for
parties, writing out Christmas cards, unpacking Christmas decorations and
putting them up, piles of year-end stuff at work, kids' Christmas shows ...
and the list goes on and on! Simply put -- the tyranny of the urgent is
certainly the enemy of the true spirit of Christmas.
And what is the true spirit of Christmas? The ultimate gift: God's son,
Jesus. When we consider the gift of salvation that Jesus brought into this
world
this should bring us a perspective of joy.
At this time of year we hear the glories of Jesus proclaimed in carols and
popular songs, in movies and TV specials, in newspapers and magazine
articles, and in sermons and speeches. There are decorations everywhere we
turn that remind us of Jesus -- from my neighbors' yard to restaurants to
grocery stores, and from schoolrooms to billboards to airports. Do you
realize that if the church wanted to focus the attention on Jesus that comes
free of charge as a result of Christmas
we'd have to spend millions of
dollars each year?
Remembering Jesus causes people to show care and concern for the
underprivileged that is unparalleled at any other time of year. I say this
because as people remember and celebrate God's gift of Jesus to the world,
they are inspired to give to others. Our world would be a colder and more
hostile place to live in if Christmas was suddenly not celebrated by anyone.
Lastly, let me again encourage you to look for opportunities to turn the
remainder of the Holiday Season into a pursuit for lost souls. People around
us are looking and searching for hope during this Season unlike any other
time of year. During the next couple of weeks, we will have individuals and
even families visit our Sunday services that might not reappear until
Easter - if at all. Many of these people are ready to respond to the Good
News that Jesus offers. They're looking for life, and we know that this life
can only come from a relationship with Christ.
This Holiday Season, take time to consider Jesus and how you can share His
love with others. Enjoy, capture, and embrace the true Christmas spirit.
See you in Bible Class!
Link to Ted Edwards Home Page