From Our Minister: December 2007

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)

She rarely recognizes people anymore. Her memory is fading. She praises God that her children and grandchildren are close by and care so lovingly for her. It’s impossible to know what thoughts fill her mind as she passes the day.

However, when prompted, she sings out her favorite Christmas Carol, To Us a Child of Hope is Born, without missing a beat. She recalls with ease the hymns that have nourished her soul since childhood.

What occupies your thoughts these days?

As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth, what thoughts fill your mind?

So much demands our attention that it is so easy to miss Jesus or to miss giving attention to our souls at the one time our nation still acknowledges Him—however minimally that might be!

Yes, some stores will not greet its customers with a festive “Merry Christmas!” You are right to take offense at this. However, I am more concerned that we who claim Jesus as more than an excuse to exchange presents will not miss the opportunity to consider God’s indescribable gift.

This is our opportunity for reflection: Am I really so lost that God needed to send His Son to save me? Is my sin so odious to Him that God would give His only Son to bear the punishment for my sin? Do I live to please God? Or do I simply enjoy all His good gifts without expressing gratitude? Do I embrace His love in Christ or ignore Him?

What a privilege we have this month to focus our thoughts and worship on the God who saves, the Lord Jesus Christ. Know Him as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” in your life.

Return to Him. Let Him renew your heart & mind. Let Him so impress His love and grace upon you that songs of worship & praise fill your soul this season and all your days. Merry Christmas!