Pastor's Ponderings, December 21, 2015

Tis The Season To Be Givers

As we hurtle toward the end of the Christmas season, let us pause and consider real reason we celebrate, the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:9-14). Naturally we love our music, the festive atmosphere, the colorful seasonal decorations, the delicious food, the laughter and the entertainment.  However, while we are in danger of overeating and drinking to excess, 2.4 billion people around the world don't have access to decent sanitation.  While we celebrate our freedoms in American to do as we please, almost fifty countries are living under dictatorships.

Have you ever thought about what Jesus thinks during this season? We eagerly look forward to receiving presents but God’s gift was His Son, Jesus, to save the world (John 3:16).  The Son gave His life.  When Jesus walked the earth, He went around doing good things, feeding the hungry and healing the sick (Acts 10:37-38).

During this holiday time, let us remember God’s gift of His Son, and Jesus’ acts of mercy, His giving of His life for the world. Let us model our life after Christ this Christmas. Many charities, causes, and crises need our help.  Across the globe, hunger threatens lives, many are homeless, and the middle class is declining.

Let us remember Jesus gave to others and let us give financial resources or even our time to those less fortunate. When we do this, we demonstrate Jesus in practice during this season and throughout the whole year.

Luke 2:9-14
New International Version (NIV)

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

John 3:16
New International Version (NIV)

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Acts 10:37-38
New International Version (NIV)

37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 

38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.