THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

 I have to admit that I am not a fan of the commercialization of CHRISTMAS. Christians promote "THE REAL REASON FOR THE SEASON!" AND, YES, we should. But, I also hear many followers of JESUS complain about the SANTA CLAUS tradition and how it takes away from the focus on JESUS. Life is about perspective. Yes, we can whine about the lack of attention Jesus gets this time of the year, or we CAN PRAISE GOD for the tiny opening we have to truly share the gospel. JESUS is definitely the reason for the SEASON, but the reason we celebrate this baby in a manger is because this is the start of OUR SALVATION!

 The REAL REASON for the SEASON -- SALVATION through JESUS CHRIST is now available to the WORLD!

It is no mystery that people are MORE OPEN to the STORY OF JESUS this time of year than nearly any other time of the year, except maybe Easter. AND WE as followers of JESUS need to SEIZE the opportunity and make the most of this TINY OPENING. TALK about JESUS, INVITE PEOPLE to CHURCH, do whatever you can to share your heart with neighbors, friends, and family. 

SHARE YOUR HOPE

JESUS is for all people! That is what the book of Romans tells the nation of Israel:

"Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the projmises he made to their ancestors. He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist wrote when he wrote: 'For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing rpaises to your name." (Romans 15:7-9, NLT)

We need to accept each other just as Christ accepted us. He accepted us with our flaws, our quirks, and in the midst of our sinfulness. Stop acting like everyone needs to clean up their act before they walk into a CHRISTMAS SERVICE. Just be open to all who are led by the spirit to enter your doors. Make sure you have an open, accepting atmosphere that is grounded in the love of JESUS CHRIST. We don't have to change anyone, GOD WILL WORK ON THEM. Our job is to make sure they see Christ in our words and our actions. 

Heavenly Father, Please give us YOUR HEART this Christmas season. Soften our hearts of stone and help us to LOVE others, even those who sin very differently than we do. Lord, you came down to this earth through the meek and mild, through the lowest in our society. You accepted lowly shepherds, and were laid in a manger. Please Lord, help us take that attitude to the streets of our community. Help us to take advantage of every opportunity, not to brow beat those far from you, but to love them with YOUR unconditional love. Amen!

How can we share the HOPE OF CHRIST with someone in my life today and all through this CHRISTMAS SEASON! THAT is the real reason for the season. 

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If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

If you gave your life to Jesus today, text the word "faith" to (765)-896-4302 and we will follow up with material for you and join you in your walk of faith!