Christmas opponents may be glad that the hubbub of the
season has passed. But for those who love Christ 365 days a year, Christmas
continues ad infinitum as we quietly worship the One who came to us over 2000
years ago. You can’t silence the hope
that lives within the heart of every believer. You can silence the Christmas
songs from the radio and sentence the decorations to discount racks, but Jesus
is here to stay.
Now, you and I both know that Christmas trees, shiny window
lights and Jingle Bell Rock don’t embody the message of Christmas—Jesus does.
So, as I put away my decorations for another year, I think I’ll leave one
symbol of Christ to remind me of the One who will come again.
Jesus, present from eternity, came as the infant Messiah who
became our Savior. And, He will keep His promise to come again, this time as
Lord and King. He came to set us free to live abundantly without fear—in bold
confidence and forgiveness rather than condemnation.
Once you meet the Creator of all things and the Lover of
your soul, you can’t pretend He doesn’t exist. You don’t want to! He settles in
as LORD and gives life to all who come to know Him. He lights the fire in our
spirit that no one can extinguish.
So, as we usher in the New Year, what do you hope to
accomplish in light of living the message of Christmas?
Take risks to love and be loved –
live boldly without fear
Be transparent so others
will see Christ in me despite my failings
To reach for higher goals like
writing a book and speaking more often to groups
Get involved so I step out of my
comfort zone
Living the message of Christmas means not taking my
relationships for granted, especially with God. He bought me with His blood,
and I owe Him my life in return—a life lived for His glory.
So, my word 2014 is Intentional
I will live in bold
confidence because of Who He is—the Great I AM.
What are your hopes for the New Year? Do you have a word
or a Scripture to focus on in 2014?
Jeanne
Images courtesy of Morguefile.com
The Christmas Day is past, but the Christ of Christmas is always here. Thank you for your insightful message. I love the idea of leaving a sign of Christmas somewhere in the house. Love you Mom
ReplyDeleteHe is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He promises to be with us - Emmanuel - always!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mom :)
I, too, like the idea of leaving a sign of Christmas out for the year. Thinking about what that might be. Thanks, Jeanne.
ReplyDeleteI haven't chosen one yet either, Peg. I will go through and see what I have.
ReplyDeleteI put a crystal snowflake in my office window to remind me that He has created me unique--one of a kind.
Keep me posted,
Jeanne
I mentioned your blog on my Facebook timeline (and the link to it) and asked my followers what one symbol they would select to keep out all year. Will be interesting to see what responses I get. If any.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, Peg. I will be interested to see what ideas come forward. Remembering Christmas--keeping the reason for the season front and center. I know we have the cross--don't want to minimize that symbol at all. But, what conversations could start when someone walks in and sees a Christmas ornament displayed in June :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanne! I need to think about what my reminder will be - what a wonderful idea! Maybe I'll keep the Baby Jesus from the nativity on my desk next to my cross paper weight.
ReplyDeleteInteresting idea about leaving a trace of Christmas out when everything else is put away. I like that idea. Nice post, Jeanne.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing, Joy. I have a small stocking ornament that says "Believe". Or maybe leaving my manger with Baby Jesus. I also thought of a candy cane because of the legend.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you!
Thanks, Anne. I appreciate your thoughts....instead of 'lost without a trace' we can be Found Leaving a Trace as we live the Christmas message year-round.
ReplyDelete