JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
This year, stores began commercializing Christmas long before Thanksgiving! Yet it seems that this Christmas has had a major hiccup in the area of shipping. Cargo ships have remained idle and unloaded off our Southern California ports. The supply and demand chain for goods has become backlogged. Christmas items may come to a grinding halt this winter.
Along with growing inflation and gas prices, buying gifts for loved ones and friends could bring about major disappointments for children and adults alike. Expectations might not be met. Perhaps this situation will bring to our minds and hearts something of far greater importance than mere material gifts. Christ is the gift of Christmas! He is our salvation. When our focus is on Christ, I believe our lives will come into a perfect peace, knowing Jesus is the reason for the season. This is what matters the most.
What else truly matters? Is it not our families––each other? Think about it. How many people are grieving the loss of a loved one this Christmas? In California alone it has been recorded that 72,590 Covid19 deaths have happened. Take a lingering look at your family members and be thankful for each one of them. Count your blessings for what you do have and do not worry about what you do not have. Maybe there will not be as many gifts under the tree, but we have each other.
Many widows, widowers, orphans, singles and others will experience grief, depression, loneliness, anxiety and hopelessness this Christmas. People need the comfort and hope of the Scriptures. They need to hear the message of the Babe in the manger, Jesus the Savior of the world!
Christ is the humility of God embodied in human nature; the Eternal Love humbling itself, clothing itself in the garb of meekness and gentleness, to win and serve and save us. ~Andrew Murray~
