Christmas Challenges (Part One)

 

Christmas Challenges (Part One) 

The Challenge of Focus

There are those faulty misconceptions, selfish attitudes and actions, and worldly activities that challenge the biblical message, and meaning of Christmas. How does the birth of the Christ-Child cause us to think and act in the right way, during this Christmas season? There are challenges that we face as Christians, at Christmas, as well as all year long; that I want us to look at in this series entitled: Christmas Challenges. 

We will look at four of them: 

1. The Challenge of Focus 

2. The Challenge of Family 

3. The Challenge of Forgiveness 

4. The Challenge of the Future 

The Challenge of Focus 

"Has anyone ever asked you this question? "What did the pastor preach on last Sunday?" You smile, and cringe inside, racking your brain for the subject or verse he used. If you have never been caught in this predicament, what you were trying to remember was a blur in your mind. I think this happens to all of us, and we need to let it be a reminder, to stay focused on the preaching of God's Word. ("Staying Focused" By Terrie Chapell - January 30,2010 Ministry 127) 

When it comes to the message and meaning of the birth of the Christ-Child, we don't want to be like a camera out of focus. Our goal should be to have a clear, steadfast focus on the Biblical presentation and purpose of the angel's announcement to the shepherds, and to the world. 

"Do not be afraid, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people, "for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11) 

I believe there are two words in the angel's announcement that should cut through the blur of the mis-conceptions, and the dominance of the worldly attitudes and activities at Christmas. Those two words are: 

"to you" This announcement is not just a prophetic message, it is a personal message. "For there is born "to you" this day...a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." 

Jesus came into this world to be a Savior for you, and for me. 

The challenge this Christmas, as well as everyday, is to focus on this heavenly gift to us. We need to accept this gift, believe the gift, submit and embrace this gift with all of our heart. 

 Let's not let the confusion and chaos at Christmas cause us to have a spiritual blur of what is most significant, and meaningful at Christmas, and everyday of our lives. If Jesus (as our heavenly gift) is to be Savior, and Lord of our lives. May it be the main focus of our hearts, and our lives. May it be seen in our lives, not only at Christmas, but every moment we live! GP 

 Photo: Pexels/9143 images/Pixabay License/Free to use under the Pixabay License/No attribution required/www.pixabay.com

To Order the complete series:

Christmas Challenges, email us @

garypat53@gmail.com 

To Fulfill Our Purpose At Christmas

"Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child."(Luke 2:17)

Is it just me, or have we as Christians missed something? Have we forgot to pursue our part in fulfilling the purpose of Christmas? You ask, what could that be?

The most precious gift of the ages came as the angel proclaimed: "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!"(Luke 2:11) And after the shepherds worshiped the Christ child they did what we are to be doing today! They celebrated the birth of Christ, by telling people about Him.

I believe that Christmas programs that proclaim the birth of our Savior, are very important. But just as important, is our testimony of how the Christ Child has made a difference in our lives. People need to hear it, they need to respond to it. They need to come to the Savior.

Today! Our testimony should be made widely known. We talk about the weather, and about sports, or the economic situation, more than we talk about our Savior. How sad that we can talk about these things, more than we can talk about the most important event that took place in our lives; the accepting of Jesus Christ as our Savior.

I want to challenge us this year, to really make it point to talk about how Jesus saved us, and is working in our lives to help us to be better people, before our God. Let's make widely known the good news of Jesus Christ. It is a matter of life and death! GP

 Photo: jill111 /665 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com

Christmas Challenges (Part Four)

 

Christmas Challenges (Part Four) 

The Challenge Of The Future 

"But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in here heart." 

(Luke 2:19) 

The gospel writer Luke makes a stunning statement concerning Mary's response to all the happenings surrounding the birth of Jesus. He says that Mary "pondered" or "weighed" all these things in her heart.          The popular song asks Mary the question: "Mary Did You Know?" 

In essence, Mary did you really get a hold of the significance of this special Child that you brought into the world? How important was His mission to be the 'Savior" of the world? 

I can't help but think that in this pondering, Mary is thinking about the future for God's baby Boy. How will the future events play out in the life of Jesus? How will this special Child of God deal with the challenge of the future? 

As we look at our own lives, how do we deal with the challenge of the future? Is it with excitement, or is it with great dread? We will be coming into a new year of 2023; and in this new year, what will motivate us to enter it with confidence and enthusiasm? 

The Hebrew writer has some words concerning the attitude that Jesus held as He faced the challenge of the future. "...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God." (Hebrews 12:2) Did Jesus have joy in the experience of the cross? Certainly not! His joy was founded in in what the cross would mean for the world...for you and me. 

Like Mary we can "ponder" how Jesus has made a difference in our lives; in our past, and present. No doubt life is made up of ups and downs, twists and turns. And the Lord Jesus Christ keeps us in the balance when our circumstances crumble around us. 

Our foundation of Jesus Christ is strong and sure. As Mary saw this Child that she carried, was victorious all the way to eternity; we like her, can hold on to a great hope for the future. That whatever comes our way, we know that the Lord Jesus Christ will help us to be victorious, and to arrive safely to our eternal home! (John 14:1-3) 

Christmas Challenges (Part Three)

 

Christmas Challenges (Part Three) 

THE CHALLENGE OF FORGIVENESS 

 "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Matthew 1:21, Ephesians 1:7) 

"There was a king who had suffered much from his rebellious subjects. But one day they surrendered their arms, threw themselves at his feet, and begged for mercy. He pardoned them all. One of his friends said to him, “Did you not say that every rebel should die?” “Yes,” replied the king, “but I see no rebels here.” (Ministry 127) 

 We could boldly say that the purpose of the Christ-Child coming to this world, was to save the world from sin. In the center of this salvation is forgiveness of our sins. By accepting Jesus as our Savior, we are receiving the forgiveness that God wants us to have. But the challenge at Christmas is two-fold. 

First Of All, The Challenge Of Receiving This Forgiveness. 

Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins, but we must in faith reach out to obtain it. That means that we must be like these rebellious subjects in our story. We must surrender our lives totally to our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ. The challenge at Christmas, as well as all through the year, is that people refuse to look to Jesus, to liberate them from the chains of sin, self, and guilt. The world can be a place where we can have a good time, especially at Christmas. A place where we can have temporary thrills, to make us feel good about life for a time. 

But the world can never provide the deep need for a right relationship with God. That inner peace, and contentment that only God can provide through His Son. To feel forgiven from a sinful, and self-pursuing lifestyle, is only found in our total surrender to Jesus our Savior. 

Will we do it today? 

Secondly, The Challenge Of Showing This Forgiveness. 

In the process of everyday living, we end up hurting others, and being hurt by others. If there one thing that is hard for people to do, it is to forgive. When we make a fist, and we hold that fist tightly over a period of time, it doesn't feel very good. We can feel the tension getting worse, and worse. It's only when we release that fist, that the tension goes away, and we feel better. That's what forgiveness does for our hearts. The challenge is that we make a fist with our hearts, and we hold on to the hurt, and those bitter feelings, so long, that the misery becomes so overwhelming. How much better to forgive, and release those terrible bitter feelings. Even if those who have hurt us, have no intention of apologizing, and making things right, it is still is a very healing balm for our hearts. 

 Our awesome, loving, God wants us to be forgiven, and to exercise forgiveness. He has done His part through His Son. Will we do our part, and submit to His will, and His care? The heart of the challenge of forgiveness, is that it is a choice that we must make!

Photo: Pexels/9143 images/Pixabay License/Free to use under the Pixabay License/No attribution required/www.pixabay.com

Christmas Challenges (Series - Part Two)

 

Christmas Challenges (Part Two) 

THE CHALLENGE OF FAMILY 

 "Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her (Mary) a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 1:19-20) 

How can family be a Christmas challenge? It was for Mary and Joseph. Here Mary is with child before they came together as husband and wife. It is not mentioned in the text how her family felt about this discovery. 

I am sure it was with shock and unbelief, along with a severe disappointment with Mary. In other words, "Mary how could you have done such a thing? How are we going to explain this, not only to our family and friends, but to the religious order?" 

And here in the midst of the betrothal, what is Joseph to do? 

He is to become apart of the family, but now he must decide what to do with Mary. He does not want to put her life in danger as we find in Deuteronomy 22:23-24 (Please read), but to divorce her quietly. 

In her family's defense, along with Joseph, we can understand their initial response. But an angel came to Joseph in a dream, and assured him that it is the will of God that he take Mary as his wife. Because the baby she is carrying, was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And the question comes to my mind, would her family and friends, and the religious order, accept that truth? 

 It is evident to me, that Mary and Joseph felt alone in the decision they made. I don't see the family support in this. She now is in the category of being like a prostitute, and they would not have that taint the reputation of the family. Do we see the challenge yet? I'm sure we do. 

The question I want us to look at is" "In what Mary and Joseph went through, how does this apply to us today?" I believe that in many families today, the total focus of the Christ Child is not happening at Christmas. Yes, the materialistic side of Christmas is pursued, as we get into the purchase of gifts. The pleasurable side of Christmas is enjoyed, as we plan and participate in social parties and family gatherings. 

And if your family is not into the total worship of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of putting Jesus, the Christ Child first at Christmas, there will be a misunderstanding of priorities in the family. "Why are you going to church for a Christmas eve service?" "Why are you always talking about why Jesus came into this world?" "Why do you care so much about the needs of others at Christmas?" "Shouldn't you be focused on having fun, and self fulfillment?" 

Like Mary and Joseph we feel alone in our worship and total focus of the Christ-Child. But there comes an inner peace, as we draw near to the Lord. In this worship, God comes to us, and His presence embraces us, and makes us feel that we are not alone, but that He is with us. 

He is Emmanuel - God with us always! 

In spite of the challenges of family, when we put the Christ-Child first, and let everything else about Christmas be placed down the list of priorities, it Is then, that we will feel that we are having more than a "White Christmas", but we are having a "Right Christmas!" GP 

Photo: Pexels/9143 images/Pixabay License/Free to use under the Pixabay License/No attribution required/www.pixabay.com

Expectations (A Past Post-Article)

"And behold there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon Him." (Luke 2:25)

 It is the day after Christmas (2016) and I come to you with these questions: Was your Christmas celebration. all that you expected it to be? What were your expectations this Christmas?

I'm sure for some, there was the gathering of family and friends for the holiday. For others, the excitement of the exchange of gifts. And going further, maybe after dropping some hints, about what you wanted for Christmas, you received your gift? Most of all, I hope that we sought to get closer to the Son of God, who is the main reason for our celebration.

 In our text, we read about a man named Simeon, who was a very righteous, and devout Jew. And his hope and expectation, was to see the Messiah before he died. And what an exciting experience it was, when Mary and Joseph brought the little boy-Christ child, to the temple to fulfill the law's requirement of purification and presentation (Leviticus 12:-1-8) When Simeon saw the Christ-Child, he took him in His arms, and gave a blessing (vv.28-32)

Not only at Christmas, but everyday of our lives, I hope we will look forward to being with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He will meet all our expectations, concerning His presence with us, and His providence for us.

The Lord Jesus, is: "The same yesterday, today, and forever." 
(Hebrews 13:8)

And we look forward to His return, to take us home, to be with Him, for eternity. "Amen, Come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20c) GP

 Pezibear / 6176 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay

In Season, And Out!

"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2)

 I would boldly say that the Christmas season, is the season of the Gospel. After the angels announced the coming of the Savior into the world, the shepherds took it upon themselves to make widely known the "Good News" concerning the Christ Child. (Luke 2:17)

As Christians today, we are to join with the Shepherds, in sharing the "Good News" with all that we come in contact with.

The words of our text is the Apostle Paul's words to a young preacher, named Timothy. Although his words are given to a preacher, they apply to us as Christians today.

The exhortation is to "Preach the Word!" Not just with our lips, but with our lives. May God's Word be lived out in every aspect, of our Christian walk.

Let's be prepared to share concerning the hope that resides with in us. Not just during this Christmas season, when the annual celebration of the coming of our Savior is at hand; but all through the years, as opportunities present themselves.

The reproving, rebuking, and exhorting, is not just for the preacher to do, but for all of us to do, to help each other be steadfast and strong, in our commitment to Jesus Christ. And yes, with great patience with one another, as we build each other up, with the instruction from the Word of God.

 It's not just the work of one season, but it is the work for all seasons.
To proclaim to the world, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, has come, and that by accepting Him as Savior, and King of our lives, we truly will be blessed, as we stand in the grace of God for all eternity. GP


 WerbeFabrik / 1907 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com

Celebratory Noise

After the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave." (1 Kings 19:12-13)

There are those who think that God should speak to them in dynamic, sensational ways. But it wasn't that way with Elijah.
It wasn't in the wind, or the earthquake, or the fire, but it was in a still small voice (a whisper) that Elijah heard God's voice.

My question this Christmas is: Are we hearing God's message to us through all of what I call: "Celebratory noise" The noise of commercialism, materialism, a preoccupation with presents and parties. (You know what I am talking about.)

Are we not only hearing, but embracing the message of Luke 2:11?
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord." 

The best way to celebrate Christmas is to make Christ the center of our thoughts, and activities.

If God had not sent the gift of His Son, where would we be in regards to our relationship with God, and our eternal future? We need to celebrate the fact that because of Jesus Christ, we have the best future, we could ever have. And on top of that, the best help for our daily needs. We have a Savior and a Shepherd, for all eternity.

This is not "Celebratory noise", But a "Celebratory Hope!"

Which songs will we choose to sing? The songs of the world, or the SONG of the angels? GP

 Photo: jill111/1345 images/CCO Creative Commons/Free for commercial use/ No attribution required/www.pixabay.com

That I May Know Him

"Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:8-11)

 Here we are again, approaching Christmas day, and as usual, a lot of preparations will be made. I realize that people have different perspectives in regards to celebrating Christmas. But I want to make known this perspective presented to us by the Apostle Paul. He wrote this to the Christians at Philippi (and to us).

At Christmas this year, let's take advantage of the opportunity to really get to know our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ. Because the question that comes to my mind is; How well do we know this one whose birthday we are celebrating? This one who God gave to us, to be our Savior and Shepherd of our lives? 

The Apostle Paul shares with us three things we must look at, if we are to know the Lord, and what He has to offer us in this blessed relationship.

 1. A Look At The World. (v.8) 
This world has nothing to offer compared to what the Lord provides us with. The Apostle Paul said he counted all that he gained of this world, as "rubbish"compared to the "Knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." This knowledge of Jesus Christ contained His person, His principles, His Provisions, and His peace. These things are far better blessings than what the world can give.

 2. A look At Ourselves . (v.9) 
Because of sin, we are not righteous before God. But trusting in the sacrificial sanctifying death of Jesus Christ, we can obtain a righteousness acceptable to God. Along with this is a look at how willing we are to suffer for Jesus. He went to the cross to pay our sin debt. Will we take up our cross and follow Him? How far will we go, in suffering for our Lord?

 3. A Look At The Future. (vv.10-11) 
To embrace the power and hope of the resurrection through Jesus Christ. To believe and live everyday in the greatest blessing we as God's people have. That one day we will rise from the grave, to live eternally with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. As God's People we have the best hope for the future, a people could ever have.

To celebrate Christmas is a joyous and blessed activity. But more than this, is a great opportunity to get to know the Lord Jesus Christ better than we ever have before. As we read and live out His Word, and spend time in prayer to Him, we come to feel His presence, and His peace.

Christmas is more than just having a good time. It is rejoicing in the love, joy, and peace that only our relationship with Jesus can bring.
Do you know Him today? GP

 Photo: Katzenfee50 /221 images / CCO Creative Commons / Free for commercial use / No attribution required / www. pixabay.com

Fix Your Eyes Upon Jesus

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down, at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)

Again we bring up the old problem of people having their focus in the wrong place at Christmas. It is a parallel to how it is in life.

While we are wrapping our presents, we fail to realize that we have become wrapped up in the things of the world. As the song says: "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" It is a wonderful time, but what makes it so? This year there is so much loss, and sorrow, brought on by a severe storm.

There are so many people looking for work. The crime rate keeps going up. Will it be a wonderful time for these people who are going through these tough times? What makes Christmas and everyday wonderful, even in the midst of trials? The answer is, JESUS! He is Savior, He is Shepherd, He is our hope and joy.

The worst on earth can happen to us, but as long as we have Jesus, we will not only survive, but strongly survive. The Apostle Paul told young Timothy; "...for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12c) 

Here's the question: Are you able to leave every inch of this; materiel, physical, temporary, perishable, deceitful, destructive, world behind, and cling to Jesus, who is “the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)? 

As Christians, we don't belong to any part of this world, we’re just passing through, on our way to our eternal home, and our guide is the Lord Jesus Christ. So this Christmas, and everyday, lets sever the ties to the world, and fix our eyes on Jesus, and truly live in the light of His wisdom & Love! GP

 geralt /16227 images - CCO Creative Commons - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com

There's A New Kid In Town

*"There's a new kid in town
And he's lying in a manger down the road
There's a new kid in town
But he's just another baby I suppose
Heaven knows
There's a new kid in town
Here in Bethlehem"

 Every year, we are constantly reminded, to have a proper perspective, regarding the Christ Child.
While commercialism and bigotry, crowd Him out, we lose ourselves in the pursuit of selfish gain, and the despair that hangs over us like a dark cloud.

 Yes, Jesus was a new kid in town, born in Bethlehem. And yes, heaven knows, and because the angels gave a divine message to the shepherds, concerning this special child, we now know.(Luke 2:11)

But the key to coming to know that this special child,  is the Son of God, and is Savior, is by placing our faith in Him, to save us, and to shepherd us. To know Him as the best friend that we could ever have, is to personally, and constantly, place ourselves in His presence, and walk according to the truth, that He brings to our path.

Like David, each day,  we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. And the reason we can fear no evil, and embrace a confident security in this life, is because the "Christ Child" is "Emmanuel", God with us!

Have you placed your trust in the "Christ Child" today?

Yes, there is a new kid in town! The question is: Does He reside in your heart, and have you given Him, His rightful place in your life? If you haven't, it's time to let Him be more than just a child, but King of your life! GP

 Josh Willink - 25 Phtos - CCO License - Free for personal and commercial use - No attribution required - www.pexels.com

* Songwriters: PUTMAN, CURLY / COOK, DON / WHITLEY, KEITH
There's A New Kid In Town lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

The Faithfulness Of The Christmas Couple

Mary and Joseph have always amazed me with their faith and faithfulness. When the odds were against them, they stayed true to the will of God for their lives. They are very good examples for us as Christians. We are to stay true to what God would have us to do, instead of jumping ahead and doing what we think is best.

In the sixth month, from the time of John's conception, God sent an angel to announce to Mary, God's plan for her life. She was troubled at his words. I'm sure we would be as well.(Please read Luke 1:30-36) "God has found favor with you." What did this mean? Gabriel gives her this amazing information: "You will be with child, you will have a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, which means "Savior" The child you will have, is the Son Of God. The Throne of David is His, reigning over the house of Jacob forever. His Kingdom will never end."

Mary does not ask why, but how. She is not married, she is in the middle of the engagement process. But Gabriel assures her that God will do it. "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you." In verse 37 Gabriel makes a statement that we as Christians should never forget. "For with God nothing will be impossible." And Mary responds by making a statement of commitment to God's call upon her life. "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me, according to your word."(v.38)

(Please read Matthew 1:18-25) Matthew says of Joseph, that he was a "just man." Mary's pregnancy came as a surprise, and to him, and to the community, an immoral act. One that would meet with severe consequences. But Joseph did not have all the information. An angel filled in the blanks, with the information Joseph needed to fulfill the purpose of God for His life. In spite of the embarrassment and judgment of the community, he went ahead and took Mary as his wife, and did what God called him to do,

The lesson is clear to us, concerning this wonderful couple. They trusted God, and did what God decreed, instead of following their own wants and wishes. May we always remember that as Christians, we are not are own. We don't belong to ourselves. Every inch of us is to be committed to doing the will of God in our lives.

In so doing, we will feel the reward of fulfilling our purpose in God's sight, and we will have a peace, that will truly pass all understanding. GP

 Alexas_Fotos / 11579 images - CCO Oublic Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay