Sunday, December 22, 2013
The Reason for the Season
Somehow, not only for Christmas but all the long year through, The joy that you give to others Is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing The poor and lonely and sad, The more of your heart's possessing Returns to you glad. ~ John Greenleaf Whittier
Scripture:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:8-11 NIV
Saints, have you been busy this holiday season? Have you been running around to this place and that place? Attending holiday parties, taking the kids to rehearsals, attending their plays and concerts? We won't even talk about decorating, shopping and cooking.
This time of year finds us running from this place to that place, stretching the limits of our endurance. We try to pack everything into our little 24 hour day. What should be a joyous time of year, turns into a race to see just how far we can go before we snap.!
So before we go another step further, let's remember just what this holy season is about. It's a time to reflect on God's love for us. It's a time when we should be in prayer and worship with and for one another, sharing God's love with each other. It's a time to truly teach our children what this season is all about. Not the gifts or the parties, or the plays.
But the true meaning of Christmas. CHRIST!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, as we enter into Your gates with praise and thanksgiving on our tongues and in our hearts, we want to say thank You for this season. We thank You Lord, not for the material things that we see advertised, but to the spiritual gift that was given that cannot be bought. We thank You Lord, for loving us that much. We thank You Lord, for family, friends and fellowship. Lord, keep us during this season. Let us not lose sight of the reason for the season. Christ Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:8-11 NIV
Saints, have you been busy this holiday season? Have you been running around to this place and that place? Attending holiday parties, taking the kids to rehearsals, attending their plays and concerts? We won't even talk about decorating, shopping and cooking.
This time of year finds us running from this place to that place, stretching the limits of our endurance. We try to pack everything into our little 24 hour day. What should be a joyous time of year, turns into a race to see just how far we can go before we snap.!
So before we go another step further, let's remember just what this holy season is about. It's a time to reflect on God's love for us. It's a time when we should be in prayer and worship with and for one another, sharing God's love with each other. It's a time to truly teach our children what this season is all about. Not the gifts or the parties, or the plays.
But the true meaning of Christmas. CHRIST!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, as we enter into Your gates with praise and thanksgiving on our tongues and in our hearts, we want to say thank You for this season. We thank You Lord, not for the material things that we see advertised, but to the spiritual gift that was given that cannot be bought. We thank You Lord, for loving us that much. We thank You Lord, for family, friends and fellowship. Lord, keep us during this season. Let us not lose sight of the reason for the season. Christ Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
