With a pending divorce, an uncertain future that will include
selling the house and moving, my daughter has decided to spend the Christmas
holiday and New Year’s with her boyfriend in Atlanta leaving me and my son to
celebrate the holidays “together alone” or “alone together”. At 18 and 17 years old, my kids are learning
there are some harsh realities to life that Santa and Rudolph didn’t plan for.
In preparation for that uncertain future and certain
relocation, my kids recently cleaned out their rooms and many items that were
gifts of Christmas past were throw in the trash. What gave delight and joy one year, has been enjoyed,
used, out grown and disposed of.
The building that housed our family is going to be emptied
out and sold.
The Christmas family gathering has been forever
changed.
However, the good news is Christmas isn’t about some jolly
fat man flying through the skies dispensing material goods to provide happiness. And much to the protest to the generic
Christmas specials that fill the airwaves at this time of year, Christmas isn’t
about family either.
Christmas is about a kingdom. Christmas is a story of a king who, out of
love, made himself vulnerable and lowered himself to save his subjects.
Christmas is the dividing line of history. It’s the point in
time and space where God entered the universe of His making to reach out to
save those who couldn’t save themselves. It’s a rescue mission.
Christ was born and grew into a man that proclaimed that
entrance into the kingdom of heaven was only possible through faith in
Him.
From that point forward, while we have the freedom to choose
whatever we wish, the only choice that leads to eternal life is Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Christmas gift from God. You can accept Him as
Lord and Savior or you can reject Him.
For those who surrender to Christ, freedom from sin and death is
given. To those who choose themselves or
anything other than Christ, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in Hell.
The choice is simple.
I believe my kids have made that choice but like so many
concerned fathers at Christmas time, I want to make sure they are getting the
most out of the gifts they received. Sometimes
we (myself included) have to be reminded of all we have received when we make
Jesus our Lord and Savior.
Gifts of Faith
·
Forgiveness – If you have put your faith in
Christ as Lord and Savior, you have been forgiven of every sin you have done or
will ever do (past, present, and future).
·
Assurance of Salvation – If you are in a
covenant relationship with Jesus, there is no way you can be lost. You are a
part of His kingdom family forever.
·
Freedom – You finally have the freedom to choose
to not sin. You also have the freedom to enjoy your freedom. Many traditions of
men are just that “traditions of men”.
·
Relationship – The Holy Spirit indwells you! You
have a constant companion to turn to for communion, fellowship, and guidance.
·
No Condemnation –Don’t listen to the voices that
lead you into sin or criticize you. God will guide you through His Word which
way to go. You are now approved by God Himself! You are part of the Holy Royal
Family. Don’t let anyone or your internal dialog tell you otherwise.
·
No fear – Death has lost its sting! Knowing and being assured of our final
destination, we are free from the fear of death and the fear of the opinions of
men.
·
Never Alone – No matter what our circumstances
or location, the Lord is with us! He will never leave us nor forsake us.
·
Eternal Family – Body of Christ – Upon accepting
Christ as Lord and Savior, we have been grafted into an eternal body of believers,
both here on earth and in eternity. Go to a local church and fellowship!
·
Fruit of the Spirit – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience,
Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, gentleness, and Self-Control. These fruits are
established and are increased the more
you follow God.
·
Baptism of The Holy Spirit – The power source
for living the Christian life comes through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Seek
it, ask for it, receive it and be transformed.
Books could be (and have been)
filled with descriptions of the benefits to faith in Christ. If you aren’t
experiencing the benefits, you have to examine your knowledge, faith, and
behavior and determine what to correct. God loves you and wants what is best
for you, seek out His Will for your life and experience it!
The purpose of all human life on
earth is to make Jesus Lord and Savior.
Once that purpose has been met, eternal life is gained and the freedom
that comes from knowing God can be experienced continually.
Accepting Jesus as Lord and
Savior is the beginning of a relationship that lasts for eternity. So, take our
time and get to know Him by reading His Word, honoring it by doing what it says,
and talking to Him through prayer.
Earthly riches, relationships,
and euphoric experiences fade and pass away. They can be enjoyed right up to
death, but after death comes the judgment and only those with a covenant
relationship with Christ will live.
Choose life, Receive Jesus as
Lord and Savior, and then seek what He has for you.
So yeah, life might have taken an
unexpected turn this year but I have peace this Christmas knowing that no
matter what happens or where I go, The Lord is with me, Always and
Forever!
Merry Christmas!!