Well it’s December 26th, are you ready to take the tree down? I was at a store today and Valentines decor and candy has already invaded. It’s all over, the presents are unwrapped, dinner is eaten and the hype has come to an end. But, Christmas has just begun…think back to that first Christmas, Jesus is only a day old. Contrary to the movie version, the Wise men have not yet showed up. Mary and Jesus are just starting to recover and attempt to figure out this next chapter of life. Jesus is just an infant, a pure, sweet little baby boy who, over the next weeks and months we will journey with to the cross. A manger to a cross…for me Christmas has just begun as I am reminded of living a life for Christ, a life worthy of his coming, his dying, and his resurrection. Now that the world has put Christmas away, let’s continue to celebrate, this child’s life means eternal life for each one of us. Merry Christmas!
The Attitude of Christ – Shared November 17, 2009
The post below will actually be a part of our Advent Devotional but it was too powerful not to share early!
Philippians 2: 1-5 (New Century Version) Does your life in Christ give you strength? Does his love comfort you? Do we share together in the spirit? Do you have mercy and kindness? If so, make me very happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and having one mind and purpose. When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others. In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus.
In looking at all the different translations of these verses I like the New Century Version the best because of the direct questions and commands that Paul gives to the church in Philippi. . I never realized just how important this passage of scripture would be in my life. I was blessed to work with Pastor Ron for just one short year and at every opportunity he brought us together, opened his bible and talked with us about this passage of scripture. Maybe I was too blind or hurt or hardened to see it at the time but today I can read those words and clearly see the life and unity he longed for us to experience. The gift of new life that Christ offers us in himself. We have the ability to have the same attitude as Jesus, an attitude of grace, compassion, love, mercy and forgiveness.
Verse 5 says, “In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus.” This verse is extremely important to remember and possibly even review daily as we prepare for the Christmas season. If we think and act the way the world does we will miss out on the joy and love God wants to share with us through the celebration of the birth of his son. Let’s face it, Christmas is not about shopping, holiday parties, gifts, or other events. It’s about taking time out of our every day lives to be thankful for the awesome gift of Jesus Christ. If we get wrapped up in the “Holiday Season” we will miss opportunities to love, serve and maybe even disciple the people we meet. But, if we think and act like Jesus, we will see people first and everything else will slowly fade away. This Christmas season, be challenged to think differently, act simply and be in unity with Jesus, acting as a witness for Him.
