From The Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin
It’s so easy to get caught up with all the trappings of the Christmas season that we can quickly lose our focus.
With that in mind, I would like to issue a challenge to you.
What does the birth of Christ really mean to you?
Does this historic event have any impact on how you choose to live your life?
Consider the words of the apostle Paul in Titus 2:11-12: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…”
Think about that for a moment.
What might be some simple characteristics of a “self-controlled, upright, and godly life”?
It could describe your attitude out in the busy grocery stores and shopping malls, where you exhibit patience and courtesy with beleaguered salesclerks working extra hours over the holidays.
It could be giving up a night out with friends at a Christmas party in order to make visits and sing carols in a nursing home with people from your church or workplace.
It could be inviting a widow or widower over to your home for a delicious meal so that they are not alone during this busy season.
It can also mean picking out one of those many appeals for financial donations you receive in the mail and sitting down, filling out the response card with credit card information, and sending it off with a prayer for God to bless them.
Christ’s birth is not some excuse for overeating and overspending, but rather a call to bring His message of love to others.
Christmas is the ideal season of the year to do just that.
Let’s make the most of these next few weeks and help make a difference in the lives of others!
