Depressing Discount Days

Have you ever gone shopping in the days after Christmas? Am I the only one, or is there something quietly depressing about all those markdown stickers? I have to admit, on one hand, I enjoy getting some Christmas supplies for next year at far more reasonable prices than usual. But there’s something kind of melancholy about those last few bags of ribbon or forlorn toys, sitting on nearly empty shelves. Two days ago, what was shiny and new (and full priced) is now dingy, old, and used looking. What a letdown!

And what a contrast to the real gift of the season. Jesus has been our gift for over 2,000 years and He is still new and exciting and worth more than any possession in the world. He continues to offer us more than we deserve and more than we could imagine. Jesus paid full price for this gift – the price of His life which can never be discounted. If we accept His gift, we will never, ever be let down.

What a striking difference between what the world holds up as the reason for the season and the real Gift! God has always known the gift we need and it will always hold the highest value. Now that’s a reason to celebrate.

Emmanuel - our God is with us!

Pastor Steve has been teaching a series on the gift we need at Christmas. Jesus came as that gift – God’s love, joy, and peace all wrapped up in one unexpected package. No one of that day thought of a baby as the Messiah, the Promised One who would save them from the world. The thing the Jews of the day didn’t realize was that they themselves were part of the world they need to be saved from!

We often don’t realize our need for this gift today either. God’s perfect love, to cast out all fear, give us heavenly peace and deep-rooted joy no matter what our circumstances. We’ll say we want this gift – but too often we want to pick and choose how the gift impacts our lives.

Think about this name of God – Emmanuel, God with us – as you celebrate with family and friends this week. What does it mean in your life to have God with you? How does that (or should that) change you? Let God, the giver of all good things, present you with the gift you need today. Accept His wondrous gift of love, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

By the way best wishes to the newly married Rachael and Clint – Pastor Steve and Jane have gained a new son. It was delightful celebration of love in this most loving season. God bless!

Christmas Battles

Do you have a Christmas battle in your home? You know the kind of conflict that is – do we watch White Christmas or A Christmas Story (you could put an eye out!)? Is it A Charlie Brown Christmas or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, narrated by the great voice of Boris Karloff or the one brought to life by Jim Carrey?

Our entertainment choices can say a lot about us and where our hearts and minds are. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with watching any of these shows – but I’d like to suggest that you add a movie that will not only entertain but will draw your heart closer to Jesus, the real “reason for the season.” In 2006, a beautifully done movie called The Nativity Story was released. It shows a very historic portrayal of life in Israel at the time Jesus was born. The story stays true to the Biblical account and makes you feel you’ve stepped back in time to see the events surrounding Jesus’ birth first hand. The score consists of wonderfully orchestrated versions of our favorite Christmas carols. All in all, The Nativity Story is well worth a rental this season.

Stop the Christmas combat at your house for an evening and share some entertainment that praises God’s greatest gift. Enjoy!