Christmas plans

I trust everyone had a very good Thanksgiving Day with family.  Now that December is just a couple of days a way all thoughts are now turned toward Christmas.  Some may have the majority of their shopping done but for most of us there is still much to be done.  This season can get very busy and if we are not careful we can leave out the very reason we celebrate Christmas.  Jesus was born as a baby and lived among us.  The truth that God became a man is one of our foundational truths as a Christian.  Here has been and is my concern for Christians.  We get so busy with the shopping, the Christmas parties, the family gatherings that we push aside time to be with Jesus and to celebrate our faith with our church family.  Learning to balance all the things that need to be done is not an easy task but to leave out Jesus ought never to be an option for a Christian.  Here are some suggestions that will help you to keep Jesus at the center of all Christmas activities.  First, Jesus said the first and most important commandment is to Love God with all our heart, all our soul and all our strength.  This means Jesus must be priority number one, not just with our words but with our actions.  This say that Jesus is number one but you are not in church to worship Him or you are not spending time in His Word and prayer is to deceive oneself in who has that top priority in your life.  Get this right and the rest will be easier to do.  Second, show forth moderation in your gift giving.  To spend money you do not have is not God honoring.  One way to keep your attitude right is to give a special gift to a charity of your choice.   Third, in all your planning set aside time on Christmas Eve to attend a worship service.  Bethel's service is at 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve for one hour.  The goal is to center our thoughts on Jesus and pray for God's blessings to rest upon all our families gatherings and travel.
I could say more but if you keep these things in mind it will help you to have a blessed Christmas season without feeling too chaotic.
May the Lord bless you and keep you in His love and care.

Pastor John