Christmas is less than a week away. Tumultuous weather wreaks havoc on many parts of the country. The leaders in government speak of the winter of death, new lock-down restrictions, and how wonderful the US economy is. World leaders mock and all but ignore the American government, while military leaders embrace gender equality within its rank and file.
Saber rattling is taking place globally with military build-ups along borders, and fly-by into restricted air-space. The American government has all but legalized illegal immigrants (no longer allowed to be called aliens) with promises to pay them for their illegal entry into the country.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or so it used to be. With so much good news happening around the globe, it is my prayer that whatever celebration you have this holiday serves as a reminder that Jesus is still the reason for the season.
Countless ages ago, God the Father devised a plan with God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit to return lost humanity to its original state of being—in fellowship with God. Some two thousand years ago that plan reached its apex with the death, burial, and resurrection of God the Son, Jesus Christ.
From that time until this very day, humanity—as well as the world—has been on a destination course with eternity. The in-and-out of daily human existence has carried out the divine plan of the godhead, which culminates with the return of Jesus to planet earth.
This reality has been silenced within much of the religious world. It has found a remote corner in the hearts and minds of many Christians. This is the ploy of the adversary, the devil.
A close personal relationship with the godhead threatens this ploy because it pushes past religious performance towards a real relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Such a relationship with one desire, to get close to God. It grows with each heartfelt effort made by the Christ-follower. I say it this way because it is no walk in the park, no sunshine, and lollipops outing; it is a committed journey—an unexpected journey—that takes you beyond the religious performance of reading and praying and witnessing so many times a day. It takes you to an out-of-the-way place where you and God are alone, walking and talking, much like Adam and Eve in the garden.
This does not mean that you do not read the Bible, nor pray, or tell someone about Jesus. It means that your reading, praying, and witnessing are done with a passion—a growing passion—to get close to God.
It means that gathering with like-faith Christ-followers isn’t about being fed, but about the joy of sharing close-to-God times. It isn’t about coming to be entertained but excited to share in the synergy of like-minded Christ-followers.
And then there is Christmas. The story of the babe in the manger, no room in the inn, the shepherd’s arrival, and the angelic songs announcing the birth of Messiah. This is what makes it the most wonderful time of the year—no matter what is coming out of the mouths of governments, or crisis’s in the world.
Merry Christmas!