Friday; December 17

A week from now people will be well on their way to enjoying Christmas, 2021. Thankfully, for most of us, this year’s Christmas holiday looks to be better than the one last year. Hopefully, we are getting back to being able to enjoy some of the more traditional aspects of the holiday season – including travel and time with friends and family.
As we spend this week getting ready for the Christmas, I want to take a minute to remind us to relax and enjoy the season. While this can be the season for stress, worry and impatience; let’s make it a point to remember principle of love, hope and joy. When we realize that this is not a season of “stuff”, we will be able to appreciate this time of year a bit more. Rather than concentrating on finding the perfect gift or making the perfect meal, let’s make it a point to make a difference in the lives of the people around us through kindness and patience. Let’s not get caught up in meeting everyone’s expectation, but in sharing kind words and good deeds.
One way to be able to relax a bit this holiday season comes from an unusual perspective, the Hebrew prophet, Isaiah. When foretelling the coming of the Messiah, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14). When offering a commentary on this verse, Matthew reminds us that “Immanuel” means “God with us”. You see, Jesus isn’t just with us this week – or on December 25 – He is with us all the time. We can celebrate His birth and life whenever – so we don’t have to get it right once a year!
We hope you are having a great holiday season. Let’s keep in mind that Jesus isn’t just the reason for the season – He is the reason for every day of our lives.

Think About It!

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