Christmas Focus

I am looking forward to taking some time off to spend with family and friends over the Christmas holiday. I will also be doing my best not to gain 10 pounds with the various meals, cookies, and treats I know will be put before me. I look forward to watching my children open their gifts and the expression on their faces. I've always loved giving gifts. When I buy a gift for someone I always want to give it to them right away; who cares about waiting until their birthday or even for Christmas Day! And of course I'm human and also like to receive gifts and presents as well.

But when all the gifts are opened and the last cookie is gone, what will be the end result of this Christmas holiday besides a potential credit card bill waiting to be paid in January? Over the years I've begun to realize that the significance of this holiday is about far more than the commercialization that begins in September. There really was a baby born in a manger in Bethlehem. He really was the Son of God and is still the Savior of the world. His announcement to shepherds, an unlikely crew of guys, was humble and tame even though the impact of his birth was divine and eternal. The challenge for everyone is to remember that his birth is still equally significant today. Every time someone receives Jesus into their lives, it's as though he's born again with their hearts serving as the manger.

I can think of a few gifts I've received over the years, many are forgotten though. But one gift stands out so clearly. I can remember the gift of Jesus I received at my bedside at age 8. And while I've failed plenty of times from that time until now, Jesus has always been willing to forgive, restore, and renew my life. As we view the holiday's fresh and new this year, remember to put in focus the greatness of this day. Remember the gift of Jesus. And if at all possible, give that gift to someone else this year.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Our Vows

Yesterday was a beautiful moment as I watched husbands & wives recommit their lives and marriages to God and to one another. I mentioned how for most of us, when we spoke our vows on our wedding day we really didn't know what we were talking about or committing to. We say for better or worse but we assume it will always be better and never worse. Richer or poorer but we assume richer never poorer. But once some years have passed we realize that it's not one or the other it's actually both. On our wedding day, if someone told us just how hard marriage was going to be we would either think they were lying or run for the hills. But after 16 years of marriage, richer or poorer, sickness or health, and forsaking all others; it's been the most amazing journey in my life. Marriage isn't an event and neither is life. It's a journey. Along the way we learn so much about ourselves, about our spouse, and about a God who loves us more than we could ever know. He is using every relationship, including our marriage, to shape us into the people he longs for us to be.

If you're single, don't be discouraged. Paul tells us in the New Testament that there is nothing wrong with being single. Does God have a marriage partner for you? Maybe. Maybe not. I don't know and neither do you. But instead of focusing on finding your soul-mate, why not focus on knowing the creator of your soul. If your affection and attention are focused on God, you might just look up one day and realize he's brought someone into your life as a reward for your faithfulness to him.

Well, the Christmas season is upon us. Starting next Sunday we will start our holiday series entitled "Christmas Is For-Giving". Jesus was born in the manger for a purpose; to ultimately be our avenue for forgiveness. In the series we will talk about how to forgive others, ask for forgiveness, and also about how to forgive ourselves. I'm looking forward to the weeks that remain in 2010!

Have a GREAT week!