Hopefully you find this to be true of me (or else this may sound weird), but I feel like I treat my faith as of utmost importance to me. I go to God with just about every decision. That’s just a little extra information for you to take into account as this proceeds 🙂
“When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”
Luke 2: 15
The shepherds did not wait until the next morning. They did not wait until it was convenient. They did not wait until they were told again and again. They went right away! The shepherds were excited…
“they came in a hurry…” Luke 2:16
Why do we not more often come in a hurry, in excitement, to remember the birth our Savior? The Bible does not say that Jesus came so that we would celebrate with lots of toys and stuff…all of which will perish away. But rather, that
“[Mary] will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
This season is not about Santa Clause. I’m not sure if it’s because of the World Race coming up or if it’s because of a few days of secular celebrations, but this season is NOT about Santa Clause and I want everyone to know and remember that. It seems that even the secular has moved away from it being truly about the guy that Santa Clause represents.
Santa Clause, St. Nick, whatever other name you have for him, represents a devout Christian from the 3rd century who used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. Yes, he took toys to children, but it was not about the toys. It was about doing as God called him to do. It was about helping people less fortunate, people in need.
Our society is so wrapped up in the latest, coolest movies, toys, and technology that it seems we aren’t even remembering the reason Santa Clause (St. Nick) is the image of the secular holiday. If we aren’t even remembering that focus, how can we be focusing on the truest of meanings of this holiday…the birth of our Savior?
My last post was about Acts of Random Kindness…mostly in hopes of getting you and me in the true meaning of the season. Did you do anything random or kind for anyone this holiday season? And, I don’t mean did you get your sibling or kid or family members the coolest, newest thing (whatever that may be). Did you give to the needy? Did you cook for someone? Did you spread some cheer and joy to your neighbor?
What about God…did you thank Him for His Son? For your Savior? If not, stop what you are doing. Stop reading this and take a moment to thank Him.
Do not continue until you thanked God for sending His Son to cover your sins. If you aren’t sure about this, let me be blunt with you. You are a sinner. There is no one on Earth who isn’t, so you aren’t alone. BUT, there is hope. Jesus sent His Son to live a perfect life. To be the perfect lamb sacrifice. Jesus died on the cross so that you and I can live free. So that you and I can have eternal life with God in Heaven. Who else do you know that is that awesome and amazing and loves you that much?! Who else do you know that could give you a more perfect gift?! So, now, if you haven’t taken a moment to thank Him, (as Nike says) JUST DO IT!
Did you thank Him? Great! There’s nothing more important than your relationship with Him. Nothing on this Earth is more important. Not the latest, coolest movie. Not the latest, coolest toys. Not the latest, coolest technology. Not Santa Clause. NOTHING!
I tell you all this because my heart is heavy for you to remember Jesus today. Will you get fun things from family and friends? I sure hope so! I hope you feel loved by those you are surrounded with today, but even more, I hope you feel the love of God today.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
If you want more ways to remember the Savior this Christmas season read the story of His birth in Matthew 1 or Luke 2 (my favorite). Also, take a listen to this song which speaks volumes to me this season and I hope it will to you as well.
Daddy God, I pray for my family and friends and everyone who reads this. I pray you would speak to their hearts. Bring Jesus to the forefronts of their minds. Allow them to carve out some time today to celebrate your Son, to thank you for all you have given them, and to remember the Savior. I pray you would soften the hearts of those who do not know you. Whisper your Love, Grace, Peace, and Mercy onto their hearts. Remind them of the crown of thorns. I pray that our society would recognize you this season. That the eyes of people would be opened to those around them, to the needs of those around them. Give us the strength this season to share you with those around us. Thank you that I will get to serve you with such wonderful squad mates in Cambodia this time next year. And above all, thank you for sending your Son as my Savior. Amen.
