"A Christmas Thoughts" December 6, 2020
It seems that it was only yesterday that we were greeting, with anticipation, the year 2020! But now with some regrets and with reservations we are now, before long, we will welcome 2021.
I don’t know about you but my thoughts remind me another year is gone. It seems time has gained momentum and the days just seem to turn into yesterdays.
     The presidential election left all 74 million of us in a conundrum! None of us are really sure of much these days. But one thing those of us who believe in a personal creator God can do, is trust in the God of the Bible. Apart from Him there is no hope, no truth, and no cure for our sin sick souls.
     Many people will explore, this holiday season, the many false promises of alcohol and recreational drugs (including deadly opioids), only to find no solution to their empty and tired souls. You see, the world will try to satisfy that longing in your heart, but you will come up thirsty and empty every time. Been there, done that! Why don’t we do something different this “holiday season?” Why settle for the obvious and mundane? Dare to go a little deeper, and ask yourself what is the reason for the season? Why do we celebrate Christmas? You know by now that it’s more than Santa Claus, reindeers that don’t fly, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and folks dressed-up like Eskimos! Santa is not on his way with loads of goodies on his sleigh! Why do we choose to celebrate a myth and settle for make-believe? Do you really feel right teaching your children an untruth and indulging them with a fable? The birth of Jesus is truth and not an old wives' tale. It is a well-documented event and supported by millions of believers in every nation of the world. 
     Christ was born in Bethlehem in a manger and was announced by angels and shepherds. Even Herod the Great heard of the birth of the King. Way back in time, father Abraham believed what God announced and rejoiced to know a Savior would come to deliver us from the curse of sin and death.  Like the song says, “long lay the world in sin and error pining, 'till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.”  Jesus Christ our Savior came to seek and to save that which was lost. That implies that without Christ we are all lost. Only Jesus saves!
     Santa Claus cannot save you from your sins. You can give many presents away, feed the poor, rescue animals, help the helpless, house the homeless, care for the orphans and the widows, and still be eternally lost.  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Christmas is not about giving gifts, but about receiving “THE GIFT.” (John 3:16)

~ Pastor John