This Sunday, we saw Zechariah extolling (praising) God for his great salvation. Instead of getting distracted by al the wonderful gifts God had given him, he kept the main thing the main thing. If you and I are not careful, we will get swept away by all the Christmas hoopla. We won't, though, if we - like Zechariah - are able to stay focused on the greatness of God's salvation.
So, how will you do that? To a significant degree, this is a matter of the heart. But what does this tangibly mean? What will you actually do to stay focused on Christ this holiday season? I'd love to hear your ideas.
Pastor Brian
4 comments:
As with any thing I am passionate about I must continue it everyday. Be in God's word, use the scripture memory I have to be those reminders of how important God is in my life. For my children when they are all excited about the presents or the lights or whatever. Its as simple as asking them a question are the lights and presents all that Christmas is about? And of course I get a no. But how is Jesus more important than all the exciting things we see? Making God and salvation a real part of your life and theirs.
It's so true - I tend to take salvation for granted and not realize the value of it, especially having grown up in a Christian home, because it's always been there.
This year I want to use the visible showiness of the Christmas season to be a cue (instead of a distraction) to reflect on the greatness of God's gift of salvation. When I see the gorgeous lights around town I want it to trigger my mind to thank God again for His mercy in jumping into my world to rescue me. When I realize how eternally hopeless I would be without that rescue, it becomes crystal clear that God's salvation is without a doubt, far and away the greatest gift I will ever receive.
I appreciate the challenge to at least ask the question, "What can I do this season to stay focused on Christ?"
Isn't my faith more than just what I put in to myself? Doesn't it include the things that (by God's grace) I produce for others.
In Mat. 25, Jesus told the true Christians, "I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in.." So we know that Jesus is among us and that we serve Him when we serve someone in need.
Our family had thanksgiving in Minneapolis with relatives. But it was more like "Thanks-taking" than Thanks-giving. It was all about my fun and not about others. So today we had another thanksgiving with turkey etc. But this time we invited people who have nothing, including no friends, no relations in the area to celebrate this holiday.
I want to remember Christ this Christmas not by dropping money into a pot or or reading the Christmas story. In a personal way, I want to serve someone who society has shunned. It might be Jesus.
Great comments, everyone. Looks like you're thinking through this well. I love the focus on scripture and, Fern, I think its a great idea to redeem back some of what we already do during Christmas. James, you're a week ahead; this coming weeks sermon is about being like John the Baptist and being active in preparing the way for the Gospel.
Blessings,
Pastor Brian.
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