October
Text Box: Pastor’s Thoughts How do you get ready for Christmas? I “Googled it” and found multiple websites that offer 7 to 10 ways to get ready for the upcoming season. Their focus, as I suspected, centered on the merchandizing aspect of Christmas. May I suggest a different approach? First: As always pray! I suggest that you begin this Christmas season by praying that your celebration of the Lord’s birth will focus on that very thing, Christ’s birth. All that you do with family and friends in the name of this holiday should have at its core, God’s precious gift to our world. Pray that God will help you to share this precious gift with others throughout the entire celebration. Second: Make every event at church a priority. Take a good look at the church calendar and set every service and special event as a must for the holidays. Take advantage of the opportunity to invite friends and family members to these services for you never know what will happen when they get together with God’s wonderful people. Now one more thing before I leave this second essential, don’t just go to these events, participate in them. Take an active role in worship, fellowship and sharing the love of God with others. That is what will truly make the season bright. Third: This is a hard one but it is right out of the Bible. John 6:43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. If there is any time of the year when our hearts should be joyful, it is at Christmas. Joy to the world the Lord is Come! Don’t let the merchandising of Christmas rob you of your joy. Smile and bless others rather than grumble and complain about how everyone is “doing Christmas” all wrong. Fourth: Dispel the myth that Christmas is just for kids. Christ was born in this world for you regardless of your age. He came to give His life for you, enabling you to live life to its fullest potential. Accept His full salvation, clothe yourself in His garment of righteousness, and take in all that He has provided for you. One song writer penned these words, “It is glory just to walk with Him” and that is what you’re capable of experiencing, His glory. Enjoy God’s gift, take full advantage of His grace, lay claim to his promises, and let’s celebrate the hope He has given us! After all, it’s CHRISTMAS!