As we approach this Christmas season
Posted on December 1, 2006 | Filed Under Pastor's Desk
As we approach this Christmas season I just want to encourage everyone to take the time to remember our blessings. First, we can thank God for His blessings upon our children. Psalm 144:12 reminds us that “Our sons in their youth will be like well nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace.” To have well mannered, God-fearing children is such a great blessing.
Verse 13 tells us that “Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision.” In the hectic season that Christmas has become, we should always take the time to remember that “Our need is met according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
“There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets” (Psalm 144:14). Christmas has evolved into a stressful season for some, but if we take the time to thank the Lord for peace in our families, on our streets, in our churches, and in our government, in spite of all our problems, we will have the privilege of leading “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1st Timothy 2:2). “Blessed are the people of whom this is true” (Psalm 144:15).
And let us remember as we start this New Year that Mary and Joseph’s family began the restoration of the human race back to God, for in their community, God place His Son, Jesus. Salvation is the restoration of ourselves to God’s fellowship (community), and the restoration of ourselves to each other (family). Nothing was wrong with God’s original plan: it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Let us start this year by asking the Lord to restore to us our fellowship with Him in any area that has been broken by sin.
“May God bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24). I look forward with great anticipation to the New Year.
Pastor Tommy
