It's Christmas!

Early business reports seem to demonstrate that the consumer is more hopeful, more positive about the future than what expert economists have been predicting. Sales are at an all-time high and the Christmas buying season has just begun. Some reports say that the consumer is actually in better financial condition than they were in 2004 because they have been paying down their debts, down-sizing perceived needs to actual need, paying cash instead of credit and basically bringing their financial priorities back to a reasonable level. The Christmas season is the last, great money maker of the year and most retailers measure their overall, year-end success or failure by the sales generated during this season. How do we, as followers of Christ, measure our relationship to the One who is the reason for this Christmas season? Do we remember, as we are caught up in the bargain hunting, Black Friday specials and Cyber Monday deals, that the Gift that was given when Christ was born cost Him His life? Do we shop for gifts to give to those we love because we are so grateful and thankful for the Gift that has been given to us? It is so easy to get caught up in this culture of frenzied shopping along with parties to plan, meetings to attend, dinners to prepare, all culminating in that great time of getting and giving all those gifts that have been purchased. As we lavish all of this exciting season upon ourselves, do we even think of those who are cold, without homes, without a place to stay warm and dry and without food to eat? Do we do more than a ’token’ act of random kindness just to meet the requirement of caring for others? At some point, the Bride of Christ must see this world through the eyes of the Bridegroom. If our hearts are filled with joy because of the incredible Gift of Salvation and this is what generates all of the gift giving activity…..then we are on the right pathway to bring honor and joy to our Savior…… So we praise our Savior that despite the gloomy calculations of this world’s economy, there is a silver lining: consumers, overall, are paying down debt, not relying on credit and are taking a hard look at what their priorities are in the day in which we live. I like to think that the Biblical perspective of true followers of Christ have had an influence on this economy and on those around them, by setting an example of being debt free, and/or working toward being debt free, and being good stewards of what God has blessed them with. Page Two It’s Christmas And I would like to think that we, as ambassadors of Christ, are so thankful and grateful for all He has done for us and the world that our joy spills over on this lost and dying world during this Christmas season and brings them into a saving knowledge of the One who stepped out of heaven, came to earth and paid the price for all our sins….. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulder and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end….” (Isaiah 9:6-7) “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord, and this shall be a sign unto you: you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:11-14)