Salt & Sonshine
By Pastor/Teacher James R. Paxton
A holiday is approaching and many are happy to see it because it means some extra time off and usually with pay. Some will be hunting, some will be visiting relatives and friends. For most it is a happy time and refreshing to say the least.
Merchants have planned and stocked their shelves getting ready for this season. Bright lights, special deals and eye catchers abound. Easy payments, extended credit, layaways and favorable terms broaden the appeal. Have yourself a happy holiday.
Children are excited and their bright eyes glitter in expectation. So much to choose from. The aisles are crammed with wonderful toys. They are good kids and parents and grandparents want to see smiling faces as they open their gifts. It almost seems magical. Hugs, laughter and full bellies create a special time of joyous celebration.
Hey, wait a moment. I thought this time was supposed to be about the birth of a Savior. I thought it was about the coming of Jesus Christ. I thought it was a holy time of real love and hope. There’s nothing wrong with those things mentioned above but they pale in comparison to the real reason for the season. The real reason is about CHRISTmas. Truly, it is a time of jubilation, rejoicing, joy and happiness. Certainly it is a time of giving and thinking of others.
I pray that every home is flooded with good times and happy hearts. Some will have a bright and colorful Christmas tree with wrapped gifts under the tree in anticipation. Some will have candles, rope lights, figurines, goodies to eat and enough ham and turkey for everyone. Wonderful! I hope I am describing your house this Christmas. However, I pray that you will take some time and remember that CHRISTmas takes us back over 2000 years to a simple manger scene of a baby in a manger who came to save us from our sins and give us eternal life with Him in Heaven if we will accept Him and ask Him into our hearts. Just think. In just over 2 weeks it will be CHRISTmas and I pray it will be the most wonderful time of the year for you and yours. (It’s not too early to say MERRY CHRISTMAS. So much more than “happy holidays”.
Maranatha!