Christmas is the perfect time to connect with God because its the moment God chose to connect with us. “She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23b Let’s make the time to focus on God this season and follow the examples of the Bible characters in the original Christmas Story.
- Listen & Obey - Mary found herself with an overwhelming calling. Joseph found himself with a difficult decision. Both listened and responded positively to God and His leading. (Luke 1:38; Matthew 1:24)
- Worship & Give - The Wise Men also listened and followed the leading of God both through the star and an angel. Their journey of obedience ended with them worshipping and offering gifts to the newborn King. (Matthew 2:11)
- Reach Out & Invite - Shepherds were considered the “least of these” in their culture. Because of their status in society they weren’t even allowed to give testimony in court. And yet, God chose them to be the first witnesses to the newborn Savior. (Luke 2:20)
Make time this Christmas to listen and obey, worship and give, and reach out and invite. You (and He) will be glad you did.
(The angel) said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” Luke 2:10
I love celebrating Christmas! The food. The lights. The decorations. The trees. The food. The cookies. The family gatherings. The presents. The pageants. The carols. Did I mention the food? I love it all!
For many, Christmas is anything but a celebration. In fact, maybe reading through my list is causing you unneeded stress or sadness.
I get it. Too much to do. So little time. And for what? Really?
Christmas needs to be a celebration. It’s all about the good news that brings great joy. How you celebrate isn’t the important part. In fact, some of our celebrating may get in the way of the true reason for the season. But, none the less, it is a time of celebration. The new King has come and our lives will forever be changed!
“For a child has been born—for us! The gift of a son—for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.” Isaiah 9:6 (The Message)
Thank you for being a part of our Christmas celebration at Christian Life! My prayer is that you connect with God today and prepare your heart for the coming of Christ this Christmas.
We have entered the Advent season on the Church calendar. “Advent” in Latin comes from a word that means “coming.” We celebrate and prepare our hearts for the coming of our King Jesus. We remember his coming in the past as a baby in the town of Bethlehem. We celebrate the present as Jesus comes into our heart. And we look to the future as He comes as King to establish His new Kingdom.
In the front of church we have an advent wreath with candles. Each week we light a new candle which symbolizes the expectation of our coming Messiah.
Week 1 - (Purple Candle) Represents HOPE, signifying the hope that we have in Jesus when we allow Him to lead us out of darkness into light.
Week 2 - (Purple Candle) Represents PEACE. Jesus came to bring peace. From the words of Zecharias in Luke 1:79….”He will guide our feet into the way of Peace”.
Week 3 - (Pink Candle) Represents LOVE. We are reminded that He is Love and that He loves us with an everlasting love and that we are called by Jesus to love others.
Week 4 - (Purple Candle) Represents JOY. The angel in Luke 2:10, "...I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” As the day of celebration draws close we become excited with anticipation and joy. We are reminded that a life with Him is one full of Joy!
On Christmas Eve a final white candle is lit.
This Advent let us all prepare our hearts for the coming of the King.
