Christmas

I love the fact that during the Christmas season most people are much more open than usual to talk about or hear about Jesus. After all, the whole reason for Christmas has to do with the birth of Jesus. He is the reason for the season. However, with so many forces coming against Christianity on almost a daily basis, it is refreshing to hear people speaking about and even singing about our Lord and Savior.

God's Word teaches us in Ephesians 5:15-16 to live wisely and make the most of every opportunity. This week is definitely a time of opportunity to wish others a Merry Christmas, along with God bless you, have a blessed Christmas, I'll pray for you, are you coming to church? or any number of other ways to open the door to further discussion about Christ. Then we can talk about how God has blessed us through another year. We can tell them about the little girl who was so cute as she lifted up her hands to God while she sang a Christmas carol with her classmates in front of the whole church. We can tell them about the little boy who put a present under the Christmas tree for Jesus. Or maybe about how much more meaning Christmas has to you now that you have a real relationship with Christ.

We had our Christmas service today at church, and I was blessed to see so many people at peace with one another, sharing their hearts, love, and laughter and truly enjoying each others' company. While watching our children sing their carols, I was totally amazed at how well they sang. And, best of all, after the service during prayer someone gave their heart to the Lord.

I thank the Lord for our church. God has blessed us abundantly in every way. But most of all, I thank God for the large number of people who are sincerely trying their best to love and serve our Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

God bless you during this Christmas season,
Pastor John