Christmas Thoughts 

   “Concerning times and seasons, brothers, you have no need for anything to be written for you.  For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 1 – 2)

 

   Throughout the gospels we are reminded that this world of ours is not eternal, it will not last.  It continues for a period but, like a thief in the night, the end will come.  As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord I think it important to remember that our time is limited, whether it be our personal end or the end of all.

   Jesus brought a message of love, mercy, and forgiveness, but also one of warning.  A caution that one day, on a day unknown to us, the end will come.  We are to live each day as if it is our last, preparing to stand before the Lord.

   The birth of Jesus set many things in motion.  By His preaching, healing, and working of miracles, He called for a renewal in faith, a turning from worldly ways to the ways of God.  He brought a new kind of love into the world; a love that was to include even our enemies.  A love that was from God and was to be shared, not hoarded.

   We prepare to celebrate His birth, but do we celebrate His message?  Do we accept His will in our life or do we seek our own desires?  Is His message of love in our hearts or do we still hold grudges and even hatred against those who may have harmed us?  In short, do we believe?

   It is a contradiction to celebrate the birth of our Savior for a few days or weeks and then continue our sinful ways.  His was a message of rebirth, of change, and a new way of life.  Christmas is not just a day, or even a season; it is a world-changing event.  It should remind us of why He came and strengthen us in trying to follow His will in all we do. 

Lord, we welcome Your coming.

We pray for Your final coming in glory.

May this season renew our faith. 

Amen