Sunday, December 25, 2011
It's His Birthday, Not Ours!
Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing: Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, let us hold close one day, remembering its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again." Grace Noll Crowell
Scripture:
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
Recently, a very good friend of mine sent me a story called the "Birthday Party". As I read the story, it really hit me. What started out as a celebration for the birth of our Lord and Savior has turned in to one big celebration where for the most part, he is not invited.
It's so very sad to realize that Santa Claus gets more glory than our Lord and Savior. It very sad to realize that he can go into the schools, into the courthouse and just about everywhere else, but Jesus can't.
It's so very sad to realize that we Christians who celebrate Christmas buy gifts for our loved ones with nary a thought to those less fortunate then ourselves. A few years ago, I along with several other friends pooled our resources and went out and prepared gift baskets and bought toys for a women’s shelter.
Some of us also took our children along so that they could see just how blessed we truly are. I tell this story not to glorify what we did, but to challenge you this Christmas season.
It is our duty and responsibility to do something for others who are less fortunate than us. It is our duty to give back just a portion that has been given to us.
Besides, we already received the best gift anyone could ever give us. Our Lord, Our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, help us to always be mindful of those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We recognize that life is a struggle, but as long as You are with us, we can make it through. You have said in Your word that the righteous will not be forsaken or their children begging bread. We thank You Lord that we do not have to beg for bread. But Lord we recognize that there are children out there whose bellies and empty. We realize that there are women out there who are too scared to leave their situations. We realize that there are men out there who got lost along the way and don't know what it's like to be a child in the kingdom of God. Have mercy on them today, Lord Jesus. I pray that someone's heart would be touched as they read these words. I pray that Your saints would go out and do a good work in Your name. I pray that Your saints would realize just how awesome and powerful Your word is. Thank You Lord. Bless Your name. Thank You for loving me despite the world around me. Bless his holy name, saints of God. And all the saints submit this prayer in the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture:
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
Recently, a very good friend of mine sent me a story called the "Birthday Party". As I read the story, it really hit me. What started out as a celebration for the birth of our Lord and Savior has turned in to one big celebration where for the most part, he is not invited.
It's so very sad to realize that Santa Claus gets more glory than our Lord and Savior. It very sad to realize that he can go into the schools, into the courthouse and just about everywhere else, but Jesus can't.
It's so very sad to realize that we Christians who celebrate Christmas buy gifts for our loved ones with nary a thought to those less fortunate then ourselves. A few years ago, I along with several other friends pooled our resources and went out and prepared gift baskets and bought toys for a women’s shelter.
Some of us also took our children along so that they could see just how blessed we truly are. I tell this story not to glorify what we did, but to challenge you this Christmas season.
It is our duty and responsibility to do something for others who are less fortunate than us. It is our duty to give back just a portion that has been given to us.
Besides, we already received the best gift anyone could ever give us. Our Lord, Our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, help us to always be mindful of those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We recognize that life is a struggle, but as long as You are with us, we can make it through. You have said in Your word that the righteous will not be forsaken or their children begging bread. We thank You Lord that we do not have to beg for bread. But Lord we recognize that there are children out there whose bellies and empty. We realize that there are women out there who are too scared to leave their situations. We realize that there are men out there who got lost along the way and don't know what it's like to be a child in the kingdom of God. Have mercy on them today, Lord Jesus. I pray that someone's heart would be touched as they read these words. I pray that Your saints would go out and do a good work in Your name. I pray that Your saints would realize just how awesome and powerful Your word is. Thank You Lord. Bless Your name. Thank You for loving me despite the world around me. Bless his holy name, saints of God. And all the saints submit this prayer in the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Amen.
