So we are now in the
last week of what we call the Christmas season. Yes the mall parking lots are
full, and hopefully the church pews will be. Trees and trimmings are now
adorning every home and street corner. Lights, music, and planned family
gatherings are on high, as we close in on the day we celebrate the birth of
Jesus. The true Messiah, came quietly, as a baby, despite the efforts of
threatened kingdoms to stop him.
For us Christians, it
is a time of great anticipation and sharing of this celebration. The reality of
our world, and our community is that there will be those that will try to
suppress this joy. Governments everywhere are at work to try and silence His
message, removing Him from schools, public buildings, and even courtrooms, yet
they cannot. Many stores will use Christmas only as a tool to improve their
bottom line. There will be groups and even co-workers that will try to use
political correctness to silence our singing praises to the Lamb. When some try
to silence Him, He energizes us to raise His name. There will be claims and
complaints of being offended by the very words, ”Merry Christmas”, or even an
aptly decorated tree. There will be attacks because a display or ornament is
about Jesus’ birth. Stand proud for Him and remain steadfast in your faith and
pray for those who seem to have lost, or have no faith, yet never attack those
of another faith. Never be ashamed of speaking the name of Jesus. In Luke 9:26
(GNT), Jesus tells us, “If you are ashamed of me and my teaching, then the Son
of man (Jesus) will be ashamed of you when he comes in his glory and in the
glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” He is alive and well in the hearts
of groups in prison ministry, in missions to help our youth, and in the many
hands and voices that minister to the elderly, the in firmed and the forgotten.
God is at work in every church family in our county. We may gather in different
buildings, but we all attend the same church, His. Jesus is our Lord, and what
we do to, and for each other is what we do to, and for Him.
So as we celebrate the
birth of our Savior, wear your nativity broach, hang an ornament, offer a Merry
Christmas, do a random act of kindness as a birthday gift to Jesus and let God
look after the rest. I ask that we all remember that this past year, and the
past two thousand would have never been the same if it were not for the birth
of a baby named Jesus. Take a moment to read Luke 2:11 (NIV) Today in the town
of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the messiah the Lord. Remember,
God sent Jesus for all of us, carefully wrapped, aptly labelled “To all
mankind, My gift to you.” Invite someone to a Christmas concert, or church
service to learn about the miracle of His birth. Ask them to come and see what
the buzz is all about. Offer that perfect gift to unwrap on Christmas morning,
and always remember to keep Christ in Christmas.
Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com
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