Let's Celebrate!
Posted on December 16, 2009 with 0 comments
The holidays are rapidly approaching (actually, Hanukkah is already here). I can't help but notice the beautiful symbolism of some of our holiday traditions and how they portray the love of God. It's easy to get caught up in the mass-marketing of the holidays. They have become so commercialized, that it's not hard to go through the whole season without even acknowledging God. Today, I encourage you not to get so caught up with the busyness of the holidays, that you miss the reason to celebrate. I pray that you realize that the traditions we love and are accustomed to, are just symbols of God's love and are not worthy of praise.
Santa is not the world's greatest gift giver. James 1:17 says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father." He is the one who deserves the honor and praise for the blessings we receive. He is truly the only good gift giver, and He doesn't just give good gifts. He has given us the GREATEST gift of all! "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) Any good gift we receive is just an extension of the love of God. He loves and gives us the gift of life through Jesus. (That's way better than anything you can wrap, if you ask me.)
Who doesn't enjoy looking at Christmas lights and candles? I know I do! But again, while these lights may give off a beautiful glow, they are dim in comparison to The Light of the World. "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' " (John 8:12)
So, as you celebrate the holidays, I encourage you to keep Jesus as the focus. I pray that your celebration will last all year round. He is worthy of praise. He is worthy to be celebrated. He is worthy everyday, 24/7. I leave you with one of my favorite "Christmas" songs. These words ring true at Christmas and always.
Charis,
Ashley
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts By His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings Lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials, born to be our friend.
He knows our need; to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Behold your King.
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us Praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
Santa is not the world's greatest gift giver. James 1:17 says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father." He is the one who deserves the honor and praise for the blessings we receive. He is truly the only good gift giver, and He doesn't just give good gifts. He has given us the GREATEST gift of all! "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) Any good gift we receive is just an extension of the love of God. He loves and gives us the gift of life through Jesus. (That's way better than anything you can wrap, if you ask me.)
Who doesn't enjoy looking at Christmas lights and candles? I know I do! But again, while these lights may give off a beautiful glow, they are dim in comparison to The Light of the World. "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' " (John 8:12)
So, as you celebrate the holidays, I encourage you to keep Jesus as the focus. I pray that your celebration will last all year round. He is worthy of praise. He is worthy to be celebrated. He is worthy everyday, 24/7. I leave you with one of my favorite "Christmas" songs. These words ring true at Christmas and always.
Charis,
Ashley
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts By His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings Lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials, born to be our friend.
He knows our need; to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Behold your King.
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us Praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.