It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas - But Whose Christmas?

God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ… —Galatians 6:14

How much do you want to be identified with Jesus?  I mean, what are you willing to give up?  Material things are not what I am talking about.  Your attachment to them is a reflection of something deeper.  They reflect your attachment … dependence upon … something other than God for your hope, peace and joy.  If your whole heart belongs to God (Matthew 22:37-39), then giving up any possession or practice becomes trivial.  

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ - Philippians 3:8

Christmas is upon us.  The celebration of the advent of the Messiah.  At least that is what it started out to be.  But the world has taken possession of it.  Now it is a season to satisfy the lust of our eyes, our flesh and to fill the coffers of the businesses.  Now it’s “joy to the world, the sales have come, let’s charge our credit to the max!”  

The word "Christmas" originates from the Old English phrase "Cristes mæsse," which means "Christ's Mass." This term was first recorded in 1038 and reflects the Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The secular culture would prefer you say "Happy Holidays" so as not to promote Jesus.

We cannot serve two masters, God and the world (Matthew 6:24).  Well, God says you cannot .. but the world says “Oh yes you can!” Which one do you believe?  My purpose is not to send you on a guilt trip a week before Christmas. But I do want you to think about where your heart is?  What is your biggest concern today?  That you have not bought enough presents?  That someone will be unhappy?  Or that Jesus will be forgotten in your home, not to mention our country, in the midst of the celebration that is supposed to be about Him.  If you are dead to sin and the flesh and alive toward Christ then your life will reflect that devotion.  The opposite is true if you are alive toward sin and the flesh and dead toward Christ.  Be careful my friend … it is so easy, especially in this culture, to choose poorly.  You won’t lose your salvation .. but you will miss God’s purpose.  That may not mean much to you now, but it will mean everything to you in eternity.

Enjoy the holiday - enjoy your family and friends - but remember, Christmas is not just about you!  Don't forget the reason for the season - 

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. - John 3:16-17

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Rejoice! Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone