Irony

Should we stress out over the celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace? He came, “To guide our feet into the way of peace." (Luke 1:79b) are we following His lead. He said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”( John 14:27) So who feels overburdened and worried about Christmas? Tis the season to freak out and be fearful if you’re not careful. What really is “the reason for the season?” The angel knew and declared, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:14) So it is a wonderful time to praise and rejoice but if for any reason of season you lose your peace you missed the point. And if you miss the point you’ll end up disappointed. December can be highly stressful and especially if money is tight. But Jesus said “You cannot serve both God and Money.” (Matt 6:24 NIV) So should we go out and acquire more debt and become “the servant of the lender” to supposedly celebrate the birth of the One who came to set us free. It’s not that we really want to be the lenders slave and serve money we just don’t want anyone to be disappointed. We want them to know we love them but it’s easier to express with gifts than honest words. But our whole life is supposed to be a reflection of love and giving so why would we only focus on it once a year. People are also afraid of what someone might think about them or not think about them but the Savior came to set us free from fear. Many gifts are given more for the sake of the giver than the “givee.” Because it makes the giver feel good and because the giver wants to do it but many times the person receiving could care less. So this is really selfish and being motivated by wrong motives which He came to deliver us from. Jesus wants to “pour out His love into or hearts” yet how many people actually receive it and “walk in it” and especially while they are Christmas shopping? He came to reconcile us to God the Heavenly Father so we could be fulfilled by relationship and not unfilled seeking stuff but how many people are now stressed seeking stuff and not focused on the Father?

I like Christmas just fine I just don’t like all the stress and pressure that goes with it. I’m not being a Scrooge but many people really don’t enjoy this time of year. And there’s even religious pressure as many people try to make up some kind of meaning to go with all the decorations. Decking the halls can be delightful but a heavy heart just sees a bunch of stuff. “Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, and the end of mirth may be grief.” (Prov 14:13) The condition of people’s hearts is more important than the condition of their houses. Are there any “decorations” on the inside or are they filled with sorrow? Don’t miss the message and end up acting ironic, moronic and demonic.

Jesus came to give us love, joy and peace - with God and toward each other and that is what we celebrate - right? So I say celebrate and enjoy and don’t get caught in the trap. Don’t worry about all the “stuff” but focus on loving God and loving people. And if you have lots of money by all means buy lots of stuff as long as it has some meaning. And if you don’t then don’t worry about it you can always find a way to express your love you can always bake or make something or simply and sincerely say “I love you!” Give your heart, love and loyalty as your gift to show that you value your relationships. God gave Himself! What will you give?

PIE 90 Scripture:

Isa 55:1-2
55 "Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
NKJV