Gift of Giving

Christmas is over and now we are getting ready for the new year. May we make it a goal as we finish the old and ring in the new year to focus on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We have rejoiced and celebrated His birthday, now we must continue to keep the Spirit of Christmas alive within us. He has called us to be a witness to others and be Christ-like. I am often reminded of 2 songs, "Light Your World" and "If Everyday Were Just Like Christmas What A Wonderful World This Would Be." Light Your World simply means go out unto the world and make a difference, be the light to someone else in need. If Everyday Were Just Like Christmas simply put, what a wonderful world this would be. It is a reminder that we don't have to just give gifts only at Christmas but we can continue it throughout the year. We can keep the Spirit of Christmas in our hearts all year long. I am not speaking of just material gifts but gifts from the heart, gifts that can make a difference to others.

Matthew 25:40 says, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Luke 6:38 says, "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Acts 20:35 says, ..."It is more blessed to give than to receive."

2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "Each man should give what he has decided to in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Whether it be giving of material gifts, your talents, your service to others, use it for the glory of the Lord. Let it be our prayer to remember CHRISTmas everyday. May our lives reflect you Lord. May we be an example unto others. May we give from the heart and continue to do so each year. The gift of giving is a gift that comes from the Lord. May we give unto you Lord and unto others with a caring and cheerful heart. May we be a light unto all the world, may we be the difference unto others and may we keep the Spirit of Christmas in our hearts everyday. May we start the new year with a new goal to make a difference for Christ! May it be our goal to win souls for Christ not just now but for the new year! May we seek God's will for our life and continue to be obedient according to his Word. Help us Lord to do your will and win the fight against the enemies of this world! Thank you Lord for giving us the gift of giving.

The Greatest Gift of All

The Christmas story is the greatest story ever told. Each year we celebrate Christ birthday. May we not forget the Reason for the Season. I remember when our kids were younger, Bill and I would read the Christmas story to them each year. I often think back as to when they were younger the joy on their face come Christmas morning when they would see the gifts under the tree. Now they are older, one married and one at home. This Christmas was different for us, it was our first one without our daughter at home. It was a happy and sad time. It seems to get harder as they get older. I often think back to when they were kids and how fast the years have gone by. I am also reminded how blessed I am to have 2 wonderful children and now a son-in-law. It was a joy to know that our daughter and son-in-law were celebrating their first Christmas together at their home. They did come over later that morning to open up gifts and celebrate Christ birthday. It was a wonderful day. We have truly been blessed. It was great to see the snow falling on Christmas morning and reflecting on Christ birthday. May we spend each Christmas reflecting on Jesus Christ, He is the Reason for the Season.

Just recently Bill spoke on "Who Are You in the Christmas Story?" in our youth service. It was an amazing sermon. Do our lives reflect that of the Pharisees or Herod? Or the Shepherds? Or the Wise Men? Think about it and meditate on it, which one does your life reflect? Do we let the busyness of the season take away our joy? Do we allow it to become more of a commercial than a holiday? Maybe if we take the time to reflect on Christ birthday, maybe we will truly see the joy of that special and glorious day. Don't allow the busyness of the season to take away your joy. Christ came to earth then gave his life for us. May we each remember the special gift that has been given unto us, the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Luke 2:10-11
An angel of the Lord appeared to them and said, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

Help us Lord to keep CHRIST in Christmas, help us to be a light unto all the world. Help us not to let the busyness during the season take away our joy or keep our focus on the real meaning of the season. Help us to use the gifts you have so graciously given us for the advancement of your kingdom. Help us not to lose sight of you Lord but keep our focus on you daily even in our most busiest times of the year. May we always remember the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Thank you God for your many, many blessings and your greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ!