Christmas

All of us I am sure are really excited for Christmas. We get to see our family, perhaps even some that we haven't seen in a long time. But, something that we probably don't give a lot of thought too is why we can celebrate Christmas. If you were to go out and ask a number of random people what Christmas is all about, they would say something along the following: "well you know, Santa, family & friends, presents, that kind of stuff." I bet we find ourselves thinking about these things more than the real reason for Christmas.

The only reason we can celebrate Christmas is because God gave us a reason too celebrate. So let me ask you this, is Christmas about presents?

Well, if you answered no, your wrong, cause you bet it is. Romans 5:18 therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. God sent Jesus into the world as a free gift so that we may be justified. All we need to do is repent, we didn't have to pay anything. Now that's what I call a great gift. The question is, are we going to accept this gift? Or just throw it away.

One thing I challenge you to do this Christmas, is not to just focus on the gifts that you get from others, or even on the gifts that you give to others, but try and focus on that one special gift that God has given us. Christ's birth, the day he was sent into the world, just so that he could grow up and pay the penalty for us. That's what we have to celebrate, and it's totally worth it. So, let's stop focusing on ourselves, and start focusing on God. I will guarantee that if you do, you'll have the best Christmas you could ever dream of have.

Have a very Merry Christmas everyone; and God bless.

How Often do We Give Thanks

Now thanksgiving is gone, and the Christmas season is here. Christmas lights are up, and everyone is Christmas shopping. But have you ever noticed how even before thanksgiving is over people already start to put up their Christmas lights and decorations. Now, there is nothing wrong with this, but somehow, it almost gives me the impression that people are just skipping thanksgiving and going straight to Christmas. How often does thanksgiving still stick in the back of our brains, and how often do we actually give thanks to God. Do we just stop and think about this for one day out of the year, and then some people don't even give a rip about it then either; they're to excited for Christmas. Well, don't completely forget about thanksgiving; don't even just stop at one day, go further than that. I mean, do we stop and take a minute to talk to Him and thank Him for his great generosity all the time? Or are we just taking everything he gives us for grant it? During this Christmas season, make sure that while receiving and giving all your gifts that you still remain thankful for the money you have to purchase your gifts, the gifts you get, and the great family time that is spent. And don't stop there, remember to be thankful no matter what happens. We shouldn't even use hard times as an excuse. In James chapter 1 verses 2-3 is says this: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trails, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." Now we have a reason to be thankful for trials too. Now remember, don't just be thankful during the holiday seasons but be thankful all the time; yes ALL the time. 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."