December 25, 2012
Transformational Thought
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you in our Stepping Stones Community! Our hope and prayer for you is a year spent growing closer to God, maturing in your Christian walk (not just accumulating knowledge), and further developing the mind of Christ. If you can do this short list, then peace, joy, fulfillment, purpose, passion, acceptance, safety, security, consistency, passion, and power will be yours to bask in everyday. On top of eternal life, these are the amazing icing-on-the-cake gifts from the King of Kings especially for you. But today is only the starting point to enjoying and growing this gift.
But for many, a dangerous trap lies in our path, ready to devour us. It goes like this. Today is the day for great celebration, remembering the greatest gift ever given to us. Many went to church yesterday or will go today. We will celebrate with those we love, exchanging gifts as symbols of our love, laughing and hugging, and adding another chapter of Christmas memories. But to be honest with you, a small part of me gets angry about Christmas Day.
You see, the amazing truth is, we are truly blessed that Christmas is not just today, but is truly everyday, especially for Christians. All 365 days a year, God’s grace is abundantly given to us in extraordinary portions. Christmas is about our sin, God’s grace, God’s gift, Jesus humiliating Himself to become as a human baby for us, and ultimately God’s love. But that is everyday, so every day is Christmas!
But Satan has put out a lie that no other days are special, that they are just ordinary at best, and are often mundane, and at times dreadful. Unfortunately, we often fall into the trap of believing those lies. So we celebrate Christmas just one day a year. And I believe this boxes people into receiving the rewards of Christmas only one day each year. Then we carve it out of our life as we pack it back in the attic with the ornaments, lights, wreaths, wrapping paper, nativity set, tablecloth and placemats until December 25th comes around again, 364 days later.
Today, make a commitment to yourself and God not to put Christmas away in the attic of your heart … but to keep it in the kitchen of your heart … accessible daily with the rest of your staples for surviving and living to the fullest. Each day will have new meaning. Your lenses will be more God-centered and the goal of the mind of Christ will be at your doorstep. Pack Christmas away for 364 days or enjoy it daily is your decision, so choose well. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
Prayer
Dear Father God, Christmas is beautiful and I am overwhelmed with Your love, gift, and death for me. Actually for me, a sinner like me. It is still so unbelievable that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords would actually pursue me. I regret that I put Christmas away in the attic sometimes instead of living out of and in that joy daily. Help me see Your gift and presence daily, and to allow me to shine like a Lighthouse bringing Christmas to all those I contact, daily. I pray in the name of the star of Christmas, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26