What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a Savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams and shopping lists. Is this really what we want out of Christmas? What if Christmas became a world-changing event again? Jesus brought the gifts of freedom, restoration and joy.
Over the weekend my Pastor gave a very convicting sermon. Something to really stop and think about. Now I am not saying it's not good to get a good bargain or write blog reviews because I have been truley blessed by my black Friday deals and blog reviews. I enjoy being thrifty - living off just my husband's income and as the stay at home mom I feel it's part of my job to use coupons and try to get the best bargains for my family.
Over the weekend my Pastor gave a very convicting sermon. Something to really stop and think about. Now I am not saying it's not good to get a good bargain or write blog reviews because I have been truley blessed by my black Friday deals and blog reviews. I enjoy being thrifty - living off just my husband's income and as the stay at home mom I feel it's part of my job to use coupons and try to get the best bargains for my family.
How much "stuff" do we need? It acclumates, causes bills to add up and stress! It made me stop and think about the gifts I have purchased for my children for Christmas this year - I thought I didn't have enough for them but really how much is enough? Do they need piles of toys they will play with a few times and then just sit and collect dust in their toy box? The best gift has already come -- JESUS! He doesn't collect dust, He doesn't get boring and tossed to the side, He never leaves us, His mercy is new everyday, He wows us everyday unlike a material object ever could.
Shouldn't we be focusing our complete attention on the Precious Baby that came and took our sins away from us? For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Instead of this:
How about doing this instead:
Shouldn't we like the Wise Men (who were essentially the 1st evangelists):
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:17-18
How about passing those blessings God has given you this year along to others in need? What really matters the most? Making a difference in others lives and in the Kingdom of God. God has called us on a mission, to change lives, let' honor Him. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
John 17:18
That's such a great reminder. I never thought about the wisemen being the first evangelist. That helps me to remember to use the Christmas season to share Jesus with those around me. Thanks for the perspective.
ReplyDeleteThere needs to be a like button. I agree!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! This year my husband and I talked and prayed over and over again about what to do about Christmas with our girls. You see we knew that we had been giving them too much stuff, but felt like it was almost expected. We know that they appriciated all of their things, but ultimately it wasn't what we wanted. This year things will be different, we have already purchased 2 small gifts for each of them and they will also get a modest cash amount so that they may pick out their very favorite thing. That's it, we've asked our parents and other family members to not buy for our family this year and instead donate or try to save the money for themselves. Really I have to say I'm already less stressed out this year than I have been in years past, trying to search out a living room full of gifts for everyone. PLUS I'll actually get sleep on Christmas Eve instead of staying up wrapping gifts! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Hop Along Friday from Anna, The Pilot's Wife at http://www.pilotwife.blogspot.com/
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