The Season For...

'Tis the season for...a lot of things.
It's a whirlwind!
This time of year means so many things to different people.

For many it's the season to overeat.
For others it's the season to become a media junkie, vegging out on movies, tv, etc.
Others think it's the season to elevate traditions above all...
Or worship the family,
Or be lazy,
Grumpy,
Stressed out,
Depressed,
ETC.

How should the Jesus-follower, who finds himself in the middle of all this, treat this season?

1. Stay focused on Jesus. Don't get distracted by craziness - even while pretending it's for Jesus. Ask yourself what Christ would have you focused on. The truth of the incarnation - that the eternal Son of God took on flesh and became a Man in order to save us - is a glorious and healthy thing to set our minds on! Meditate on the glories of Christ, and the wonder of his becoming flesh!

2. Evaluate the Traditions. Ask yourself why you do what you do - or why you don't do what you avoid - when it comes to holiday traditions. There may be some pointless, distracting traditions that need to be canned. And there may be some really Christ-exalting things you and your family can do to celebrate the Word becoming flesh.

3. Look for Opportunities to Share the Gospel. Since we find ourselves in this culture, we may as well use it to share the gospel! People could be more open to hearing about Christ this time of year. Give gifts, cards, and smiles - with the gospel. Write a letter to your neighbors explaining the gospel of Christ and hand deliver them as a family...with some baked goodies. Ask God to show you how you can utilize this culture to share his good news.

4. Remember the Awe and Wonder of God's Glory and Love. Think afresh on the glory and holiness of God. He did not owe us salvation when we sinned (He didn't offer salvation to the angels who sinned...). Be blown away, once again, with the grace of God: how he chose to set his love and affection on us, and redeem us at great cost to himself. Stand, by faith, at the foot of the cross and look upon the One who poured out his lifeblood to ransom our sin-stained souls! Repent of hard-heartedness, grumpiness and selfishness. Receive from the Lord a tender, gracious and loving heart.

5. Show Love and Joy to Others. After #4, you'll want to overflow by just being nice to people - in the power of Jesus. Look around at all the distracted, stressed out people around you. Yield to the Holy Spirit and then go and love on people. Are there needs you can meet in Jesus' name? People you can encourage?

What a season of joy, when we remember the glory of God in Christ!

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" Luke 2:10-11, ESV

What Should I Think About at Christmas?

Christmas is crazy. Think of the myriad of different ways people celebrate this season. Some put up lights and decorations, sing a special genre of songs, eat special, seasonal foods, etc. Some go to church for the first time all year. Others spend about 2 months talking about an all-knowing person who rewards the good, not with salvation, but with...TOYS. There are so many different reactions, traditions, and responses to this season!

So what should be our meditation during Christmas? What should fill our thoughts? And with what should we fill other people's thoughts (including our children)?

Christmas Meditations
During the Christmas season, think about:

1. Jesus Christ taking on flesh. The incarnation. God came to us!
2. What this involved. An infinite humbling. What a distance from heaven to earth! What a descension! What an experience! God in the form of a baby! Oh, the sheer magnitude of Christ's taking on flesh...
3. Why did he do it? For his own glory. To gather to himself a beloved people. So he could die... To pour out his love and grace on sinners!
4. What this means for us. What a difference it makes that Jesus came! We, who deserve the righteous judgment, condemnation and wrath of Almighty God, now forgiven, pardoned, justified, sanctified, adopted, awaiting future glory!
5. What this means for others. There are still people who do not know; who have not heard. How can they believe unless they hear? How can they hear without a preacher? How can someone preach unless they are sent? Our generosity at Christmas must not be limited to helping the poor have a meal, or toys for their children. The incarnation of Christ means much more than that! Give the gospel. Pray for the nations. Join Christ afresh in his glorious, church-building work!

In short, during the Christmas season, meditate on JESUS CHRIST and him crucified! Behold the glory of the One who came to save! Fill your mind with awesome, heavenly thoughts of the glory of God in the face of Christ. And fill your family members' minds with such thoughts! Fill your children with thoughts of Christ, rather than thoughts of greed, materialism, idolatry, and worship of another man (Santa), to whom is ascribed miraculous power, devotion, and glory.

Oh, God! Set our minds on Christ! Set our hearts aflame with the gospel of your grace! Thank you, praise you, that Christ came!