Peaceful on Purpose
John 14:27
As Christmas Day approaches, so too will the reproaches. There will be those who not only oppose putting Christ in Christmas, but create opposition for those who also put Him in their hearts and lives each of the other 364 days of the year.
Do not let such negativity about the nativity mar your relationship and reliance on the Miracle from the manger.
Because while Christmas is a time to let our lights so shine—not just the ones on our roofs and Christmas trees—it’s also a time to let our love so shine even more brightly and boldly.
Just because someone doesn’t believe the same way we do, it doesn’t mean there can’t be some common ground to be found so all may partake of this, “most wonderful time of the year.”
I know that for many, this may not be a wonderful time. Loved ones and dear friends may not be with us this year. Whether it be distance, disease or death, such trials and tragedies don’t take days off or celebrate holidays. This is all the more reason for us to reach out to those who may need more than a “Merry Christmas.”
Because aren’t love and friendship the real reason for the season? Aren’t they the best gifts to give and to receive in celebration of Him whose special and sacred season this is?
Imagine if we prayed and read the Scriptures—even just during the month of December—as often as we went online to seek out the perfect gift, or for as long as it takes standing in line at the store to complete a special purchase.
The difference in our lives and the world would be defining and deafening to the devil and his dutiful demons.
No judgements here. I’m only reminding, not reprimanding. After all, just because my particular presents to the world come through my words, it doesn’t mean I’m perfect. But my weakness is made strong every time I make the time to visit God’s porch through prayer, study and striving to live a good life, even when I stumble and tumble every now and then.
We’re all in this life together and how great would it be to help each other come unto Christ (Isaiah 55:1-13) during every season, not just during the convenience of Christmas. However, there does appear to be an increase of love and joy during this time unlike any other time, save Easter. Nevertheless, as I mentioned in the beginning, opposition and depression seem to increase also.
It’s almost as if they’re waiting to wake-up just in time to try and ruin our resolve to reconnect and redirect our hearts even more towards the Savior of all mankind, Jesus Christ.
Therefore, may we also realize that while the devil doesn’t celebrate Christmas, he understands its significance and providence and will do all he can to not only outdo the Grinch (before his heart grew three sizes) but make our hearts shrink three sizes, so that the true Spirit of Christmas will be thwarted and greed will succeed in increasing our debts and stress levels more than changing our hearts and hearths. This season may we let our Savior, Jesus Christ, transform and keep our hearts into the right size always and in all ways.
Needed this. Thank you Corey!