Christmas

Good Morning!! The literal meaning of "Christmas" is "Christ's Mass",...the celebration of Christ. And isn't that what we all want,...a joy-filled Christmas that truly celebrates Christ? Yet, the holiday season often leaves us with very little joy, and a feeling of emptiness. So how then, can we have a joy-filled Christmas? I believe that the secret to the celebration of Christmas is found in giving. Maybe we are giving the wrong gifts. It could be that we're giving gifts to the wrong people. Or, maybe we are not receiving the right gifts.
 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,...—John 3:16a (NIV)

Christmas is not a date on the calendar, but rather a way of life. Like the innkeeper, we are often guilty of posting a sign across the entrance of our hearts that reads, "No room!"  We can participate in every festivity of the Christmas season, but until we receive the gift of Jesus Christ, we will never truly experience Christmas. To have a Christ-centered Christmas, we must not only recognize Him as the center of a season, but the center of our entire life as well,...every part of it,...every day of the year.

The greatest of all miracles, The Son of God,...came in the midst of total simplicity.

---

Father God, we are so tired of shallow and meaningless Christmas sales and celebrations. This year, we want to experience You and a Christmas filled with Your Joy.  Right now, we give ourselves to You and ask that You would forgive our sins and take control of our lives. We invite Your gift, Your Son, to reign as Lord and Savior. Thank You, Father, for Your love and Your mercy. We are Yours. Amen.

" Remember Jesus Is the reason,...for the season ."