What is the absolute best way you can celebrate Christmas? Maybe you've never thought about that question before. Maybe you've only asked how you can survive Christmas! Even though it can be a very busy and stressful time of the year I believe we can have a great Christmas by doing three things: Reflect, Rethink, Remember.
At Christmas we celebrate the fact that God gave His son Jesus for us and Jesus demonstrates for us what love looks like by sacrificing Himself (1 John 3:16). One of the best ways you can celebrate Christmas is by reflecting that kind of love. Look around you for opportunities to sacrifice a little time, energy, and even a little money to help out someone in need.
But, why would God send Jesus? Jesus came because God wanted a relationship with His creation. That relationship was broken when we decided to do our own thing and ignore God. God gave us the gift of relationship when He sent Jesus. What kind of gifts do we give at Christmas? Would you call them relational gifts, made from the heart, that will mean something for years to come? Usually not! We need to rethink the way we do gifts at Christmas. America spends $450 billion dollars a year on Christmas. That seems to be very different than the humble beginnings of this holiday (Luke 2:1-7). Make a gift for your sibling, write a letter to your spouse, give the gift of time to your kids. Get creative and give like God!
Last but not least, Christmas is best celebrated when we remember what it is all about. It is the arrival of God's son, Jesus, on this planet to show us what a life fully lived looks like and to do for us what we could not do ourselves by reconnecting us with our Heavenly Father. Take some time on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and read the account of Jesus entering into this world. Sing some Christmas songs that retell the story. Attend a Christmas Eve service at your church. Remember the reason for the season.
God bless you as you celebrate this wonderful holiday and may it be the best one yet!
Matt Singleton
Pastor - FBC Skidmore
For more information on how First Baptist Church Skidmore is Reflecting, Rethinking, & Remembering, check out our website atwww.fbcskidmore.com
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