There was a time, decades ago, when my family did not have much for extras. December was always a hard month for our family because, while we had enough for the necessities of life, the extras, like Christmas presents, were not top priority. My brother and I could hardly wait for the Simpson Sears Christmas catalogue to come out so we could pour through the pages and make up a wish list. There are very few gifts I can remember from back in those days save the mandarin orange in the toe of the stocking, some comic books to round out the sock, a chocolate bar, a candy cane and one of those small puzzles with the tiny metal balls that you had to fit into the holes in the picture. I remember those but I also remember all of us sitting around, opening presents, eating a wonderful breakfast and then heading out to visit friends and relatives. My parents always went all out to ensure we had a great Christmas regardless of how things were financially. In fact we never knew that things were tight because we always had so much fun together. As I look back over my life, I can understand just how much my parents gave up for us. It still is my mom’s passion to make sure her kids and grandkids and her great-grandchild are well taken care of, not just at Christmas but all the time.
Christmas, it is literally the celebration of the Holy
Communion of Christ. He left His place beside the Father to be amongst us all,
to show us a better way than what we were and are experiencing. The day the
Father sent His Son to earth was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. He
came forth into a world that was full of chaos and darkness. It was a time of uncertainty
about the future, yet Jesus gave His all for those around Him. He healed the sick, comforted the hurting and
gave hope to those who had lost all hope, the outsiders who had no one to turn
to. He gave His all for everyone including those who persecuted Him. Jesus has
a passion for all His children and gives us the gift we will never forget; peace
on earth, goodwill towards all. “For this is how God
loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who
believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into
the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” God gave
the perfect gift without thought of the cost. That is His passion for us all.
This Christmas season, let us take the time to celebrate peace, love and joy in
the same way Jesus celebrates each of us.
This week we celebrate the Ministry of Sainthood, week two
of Advent. We invite you to join us this Sunday either in person or watch us
online at 10:30 AM.
Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31
YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA
We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Blessings,
Pastor Todd
www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.com
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