Saturday, December 25, 2010

Stepping Stones: Where Will You Put Christmas Tomorrow?

Transformational Thought

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Our hope and prayer from Lighthouse Network to you is for a year spent growing closer to God, maturing in your Christian walk (not just knowledge), and further developing the mind of Christ.

Today is a day of great celebration, remembering the greatest gift ever given to us. Many went to church yesterday or will go today. We will celebrate today with those we love, exchanging gifts as symbols of our love, laughing and hugging, and adding another chapter of Christmas memories. But to be honest with you, part of me gets angry about Christmas Day.

You see, we are truly blessed that Christmas is everyday, especially for us Christians. All 365 days a year, Christ’s and God’s grace is abundantly given to us in extraordinary portions. Every day is Christmas! Satan has put out a lie that no other days are special, that they are just ordinary at best, and often, are even terrible days. Unfortunately, we fall into the trap of believing those lies. So we celebrate Christmas just one day a year, I believe, allowing people to enjoy it for only one day. Then we carve it out of our life as we pack it back in the attic with the ornaments, lights, wreaths, wrapping paper, nativity set, tablecloth and placemats until December 25th comes around again.

Today, make a commitment to yourself and God not to put Christmas away in the attic of your heart…but to keep it in the kitchen of your heart… accessible daily with the rest of your staples for surviving and living. Each day will have new meaning. Your lenses will be more God-centered and the goal of the mind of Christ will be on your doorstep. Your decision, choose well.
MERRY CHRISTMAS

Prayer
Dear Father God, Christmas is beautiful and I am overwhelmed with Your love, gift, and death for me. Actually for me, a sinner like me. It is still so unbelievable that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords would actually die for me. I regret that I put Christmas away in the attic sometimes instead of living out of and in that joy daily. Help me see Your gift and presence daily, and to allow me to shine like a Lighthouse bringing Christmas to all those I contact, daily. I pray in the name of the star of Christmas, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!

The Truth
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26