It's time

It is just a few minutes before Christmas as I write this. As I watch a Christmas service on TV, I think about what it was to celebrate Christmas without Christ. I realize this Christmas that there is a battle the rages over whether or not it is right or wrong to say, "Happy Holidays," or "Season's Greetings," or just "Merry Christmas." I have seen the advertisements that say, "Merry CHRISTmas," and others that remind us not to take Christ out of Christmas. I have stood on the side that believes that Christ should not be compromised at Christmas because it is about Him. Yet, I have a thought this year. What if we, the Church, realized that Christmas is for those who wish to ignore Jesus? Hear me out, don't roll your eyes yet, and think that I am another "liberal." Instead, think about the fact that Christ came into this world to save those who are lost. We celebrate His coming, but we must celebrate why He came. It is ironic that those who want to forget Christ, are those whom He died for; just like He died for us. Also, think about the fact that we, those who follow Christ, are His Church. This means that instead of fighting those who do not believe the way we do, may be, we should start being imitators of Christ to them. This is the time of year that we should get our second wind, reorient, and be reminded that because Jesus came, we there is still hope for those who do not know Him. Christ loves those who do not love Him. This season of peace is a reminder to be in love with, and be at peace with our neighbors. It's time. It's time to get past accusations and judgments; and it's time to extend grace. Christ will never be defeated by those who do not know Him. He will only be hindered by those who do know Him. It's time. Merry Christmas and peace to all.

While following through on a punishment yesterday, one of my children said that I should be merciful, like Christ, and forget the punishment. We all love God's grace. Yet, sometimes we need to realize that God will allow us to face circumstances, that we caused, instead of waving His magic wand and making it all go away. Does this mean that He does not love us? Certainly not. This means that God is teaching us; we all know that experience is the best teacher. Seems like I have heard that somewhere. It seems that God wants to show us that can help us through those circumstances. Anyway, back to my child. One thing led to another, and finally, as I was talking about how Christ wants to teach us through our consequences, it was said, by my child, that "I don't know Christ like I kn0w you." My children have given their lives to Jesus. I was reminded by that; but it does cause me to wonder how many of us have simply forgot to know Him. I mean really know Christ. We take the grace that only Christ can provide, and then, after a while, we settle for grace, as the ceiling, while losing sight of who Jesus is. What if the children of Israel would have left Egypt and settled for leaving slavery without going with God? They would have been overcome in the wilderness! We need Christians who will follow Christ; not just using Him to avoid punishment. There is life, and there is new life. Do you really know Christ? Or, are you just trying to use Him for Genie who will wave His magic wand when you need Him?

Check out William Willimon's "The Challenge of Advent."
Great thoughts that challenge us.


http://willimon.blogspot.com/