Happy Holidays?

I was reminded the other day of a crisis in our culture. You have probably already been reminded as well as you passed other people in the stores or even as you go through the check out line. People, no matter how nice they seem to be as they say the words, "Happy Holidays." The crisis is that our culture is trying to reconfigure the whole meaning of the season and tranform it into a commercial calamity. I honestly believe people are trying to be nice, but really, is nice what we need in our world today? Nice is nice, but there is no substance to it. Our world doesn't just need another nice day, or another nice gesture, or even another nice word, they need hope. Hope in more than Santa Clause and Rudolph, though these are nice, they only promise gifts once a year, at best. That is only if you make the cut from Santa checking his list out twice. Also, if you don't bribe the man in red with milk and cookies, who knows what second-rate gift you may get.

Instead of a character riding around in a sleigh driven by reindeer, what about a Savior that is always there 24/7. What about a Savior that doesn't need bribing to come into your life, he has already made all the arrangements, He justs waits for the invitation from us. Wouldn't that be nice? Do you know about the invitation?

This is what the season is all about. A God who loved us so much that He gave! That is why we exchange gifts. What did He give? The greatest gift of all, a gift we all needed. No not that new suit or xbox, but something we really needed.....a savior. Where did He get that? From his right hand in Heaven. Sent this gift to come into a lost world to save us. Us that were lost. Don't feel lost? Honestly ponder a question this season if you don' feel lost: What is my reason for existence in this world. Can you answer that question? I know you can, but are you capable of dealing with the truth? Most of the time people brush it aside and in turn miss out on the TRUTH. Jesus said Himself in the bible that He came into the world to TESTIFY to the TRUTH. The truth of God's word that said over 700 years before Jesus was born how, where, and who would be involved in this GIFT. Conincidence? I think not. But that answer comes only after pondering the question.

So what will it be this season? Back to the Merchandising Meyhem the Retail Rat Race, or will you trade your wal-mart gift card in for something of more eternal purchasing power. You see there is another invitation. One to be with God, the Eternal Father, Almighty God forever, in a relationship that is more intimate than we can imagine here. And just like before, it will probably happen when most are not aware. There will be taxes to pay, places to go, and schedules to keep; Circumstances will probably make you uncomfortable and you'll be "stranded in a stable". What will happen though. Will you miss the event? Even though angels will announce His second coming as well and wise men will follow, will you be left behind still looking for something to live for? Or will you accept the invitation to be a Child of God and have your name written in something of greater value than Santa's toy list. The Bible tells us that all who accept Jesus as their Savior and believe in Him, will have their names added to the eternal book of Life to be granted access to Heaven. That sounds like a better deal than a pair of socks for some milk and cookies.

I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Not just happy holidays. I do hope that these days are happy, but not with a happiness from a good season, but a joy that flows from within from knowing your Savior. May God bless you and your family as you remember Him, the true reason for the season.