The hustle and bustle of this Christmas season is in full swing. We are all running around, shopping, setting up the Christmas tree, decorating the house, buying presents, getting everything ready for the day of the birth of our Lord and Savior. I am just like everyone else, I love to get in the spirit of the holiday, to decorate the tree and the house, hang up lights and place lawn decorations and bake cookies and cakes, and of course, celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
What we do have to remember during this holiday season though, is that not everyone in the world, let alone in our own country, our own city, our own towns, has the opportunity to celebrate Christmas. Circumstances have placed them in situations that make it difficult or even impossible to celebrate the day. They have become lost, they have become misguided, they have listened to the media, they have forgotten about God and the birth of his Son, Jesus Christ, and why he was born.
For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which is lost.
Luke 19:10
God did not send Jesus to this world to praise the perfect or save the holy, but to save the lost, the broken, the sinner, to save you and I. Jesus was born on earth in human form to save God's people, to show them God's love, to bring them home. Just as Jesus did so long ago, he can do the same today. When we find ourselves lost once again, we can turn to the cross and remember that Jesus points the way home. When we meet others who have lost their way we can point them to the cross, to the way home through our Lord and Savior, their Lord and Savior. Sometimes it doesn't take but a thoughtful heart or caring touch to show compassion, to bring one lost child home, to save one soul.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:16-17
Jesus Christ was born to save you, to save me, to save all of God's people. Some have opened their eyes and their hearts and have been saved, have seen the love of God, have felt the Holy Spirit within them. Sadly, there are far too many who have not; who still live their lives without God; who wake up every morning, go throughout their day, never knowing the love of Jesus, never knowing their Lord and Savior. Those who have been saved see prayers answered, see miracles performed, see the power of Jesus Christ in their lives. Others who have not been saved, only see what they think they can do, only see what they want to see and never see true happiness, true joy, true love.
The Father himself loves you because you have loved me and believed that I came from God.
John 16:27
As Christians and believers it is our responsibility to live our lives as God intended so that others may see, through us, his mercy, his compassion, his goodness, his love. It is our responsibility to share this with all that we meet. It may be nothing more than a friendly hello or a handshake in greeting, or a hug for one who is hurting. Sometimes, it is just the simplest thing that can leave a lasting impression in someone's mind and make them wonder and maybe seek the happiness you have.
This Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, let us not forget those who are lost, let us not forget those who do believe but have fallen on hard times. We are all God's children and Jesus is the Lord and Savior of all, we need to remember that and share that with all that we meet.
As I speak a blessing over each of you this morning, always remember, I am here for you if you ever need to talk or get something off your chest or if you need prayer for yourselves, your family or your friends. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Dear Father God, thank you for blessing us with this day and loving us as Your children. Watch over each and every one of us as we start each day, as we go through this week, keeping us in the palm of Your hand. Guide us in our daily lives, directing us on the path You have planned for us, bringing forth the dreams you have planted in each of our hearts. For we know who we are and whose we are, children of the most high God. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
"Keep your Faith strong, your Hope alive and your Prayers never ending."
God Bless
Pastor Mark
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