For unto us a child is born , unto us a son is given : and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor ,The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 KJV
In the hurry and scurry of the holiday season we sometimes tend to forget why we are running around like chickens with our heads cut off. I am in a unique situation. I have no reason to dash about as others do. That gives me the opportunity to observe what others are doing.
What I observe tends to make me feel sad. I think Jesus would be distressed at the way we celebrate His birth. People do wonderful things such as give to food banks, the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and other organizations which help people in need.
My observation is that most people need peace and sanity at Christmas. I think we honor Christ most when we stay within our budgets and exhibit balanced behavior. Can you imagine what Jesus would have thought about people’s behavior in getting the Michael Jordon basketball shoes for their kids. This, my friends, is not Christmas.
Christmas lives with us all year long. It is a mind set in which we honor the Christ-child all year long by behaving as he would have us behave. He is our model…not just on Christmas but throughout the years. Christmas is a commitment to Jesus for life. He was born to bring us salvation. Accepting Him means we are committed to Him our entire lives.
That is who the child is. The person who was born that we might live. If we honor Him only at Christmas, what does that say about us?
I wish you all a Merry Christmas all year long.
Bible breath: Bowing low/Jesus is Lord.
Carol
What Child Is This
1. What child is this who, laid to rest,
on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
while shepherds watch are keeping?
Refrain:
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
2. Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
(Refrain)
3. So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
come, peasant, king, to own him;
the King of kings salvation brings,
let loving hearts enthrone him.
(Refrain)
Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898
Music: 16th cent. English melody
Tune: GREENSLEEVES, Meter: 87.87 with Refrain
