The most beautiful and joyful holiday of the year
- “Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man.”
- “The light that shines from the humble manger is strong enough to reach to the end of our days.”
- “The world’s greatest need is met by God’s greatest gift.”
- “The Hinge of History is on the door of a Bethlehem Stable.”
- “Christmas never changes really, because there is nothing better for it to change to.”
- “God just took a little baby and built Christmas around it.”
- “God laid a Baby on the doorsteps of the world.”
- “Christmas, only God could have thought of it.”
- “God’s gift of His Son is the perfect remedy for your past, present and future.”
- “When God gave His Son to rescue man, He also provided the perfect gift for the problem, for the challenges and opportunities you face today.”
- “Jesus Christ is God’s perfect gift to you. Think of that and it will inspire you, sustain you and make you realize just how very special you are to God.”
The most beautiful and joyful holiday of the year: Christmas, that of Christ’s birthday. Did we give Him anything? Did He get any of your time or recognition?
Were the gifts we gave to only those who would give back to us? That’s called “swapping gifts”. That’s not what Christmas is all about. Jesus told us in the Scriptures, ”As ye do it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto Me.”
We will soon enter into a New Year. We cannot redeem the time that we wasted last year, but in the New Year, we have another chance to begin anew.
Let’s see what Christ wants to clothe us with!
Matthew 6:28-30, 33 (Jesus speaking)
28”And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Many people receive clothes for Christmas. For just a few moments let’s think about what we will wear in this New Year. Let’s take a look in our closet. Almost everyone in our town might have one that looks alike or similar to it. The name of this garment is “Fault Finding.” Oh please, don’t wear this one; it looks ugly on the most beautiful or handsome person in the world. Let’s discard this one.
In its place here is one with the label “Love thy neighbor.” Jesus said in 1 Corinthians 13, “If you see your brother in need and shutteth up your bowels of compassion against them, how dwelleth the love of God in you?” To make even the plainest woman look lovely, we should wear this garment often.
Perhaps we should discard some other garments. Yes, there is a coat. It looks nice at first glance, but it is labeled “Selfishness.” No one wants to be around a selfish person long; a person all wrapped up in themselves makes a poor package. That is certainly a coat you will want to discard.
Now here is a cloak labeled “The Cloak of Righteousness.” This is an attractive coat. Jesus told us to put on the whole armour of God. We need coats, shirts and dresses of kindness, gentleness, pure motives, a gentle and quiet spirit and contentment. Jesus said “to be content with such things as you have.”
Let’s look again in our closet and maybe find something else to discard or make over. What about “Sensitiveness.” Are we sensitive about every little word or action? Do we have a chip on our shoulder? Let’s make this one over! Let’s take the chip off. In place of always seeing a slight or a hurt, let’s make this garment one with a feeling of sensitiveness for others’ needs and desires and be careful to make others feel wanted and accepted.
Then with all these beautiful garments for both men and women, let’s select a pair of gloves to go with them. How about service? Who is the greatest? Those who serve!
Let’s be the best dressed people in town, as Christians, not in outward appearance but “the hidden man of the heart.”
These clothes will never wear out or look out of date. You will always feel well-dressed and confident wearing these garments. With these clothes a smile always suits each garment.
Do you work for the LORD with a happy heart and a willing spirit?
