NOW THAT CHRISTMAS IS OVER….
For the past several weeks our lives have been pointing toward December 25. Some count down the days until Christmas with dread (because of all the work still to be done), others with anticipation (because of the joy of the day itself). Now Christmas is over and we can get back to our ‘normal’ lives. But think about that last sentence for a minute. “Christmas is over.” “We can get back to our ‘normal’ lives.” Are those statements true? Unfortunately, most people live as if they are true, but for the Christian is Christmas ever over?
The December 25th date comes and goes, but the truth that we live on a planet once visited by God Himself in the form of a man is never over. Life can never be the same once this awesome fact is understood. No, Christmas is never over for the Christian. The holiday observance comes and goes once a year, but the celebration of the coming of Christ (which is what the word ‘Christmas’ means) should be part of our lives all year long. So, instead of thinking, “Now that Christmas is over….”, think “now that Christ has come life will never be the same!”
Read the following passage slowly. Make note of each benefit you have received because Jesus came to earth.
Ephesians 2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature * and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
What difference will it make in your life in 2021 that God Himself visited planet earth 2,000 years ago?
Write down some ways you can keep Christmas fresh in your heart and life all year long. How can you prevent everything going on in the world and in your own life from causing the joy of Jesus to fade?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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