Wednesday, December 23, 2009

What happened to the Christmas Spirit?

Only two more sleeps until Christmas!

These last few days before Christmas can be so hectic. Last minute sewing, baking, gift wrapping, decorating, shopping, and then you have extra Christmas cleaning and other everyday chores. We tend to burn ourselves out sharing Christmas spirit.

Many are also carrying burdens that weigh them down -- the loss of a job, illness, death, lost loved-ones, a broken relationship, loneliness etc... -- stamping out the joy of Christmas.

So, where is the Christmas spirit? He hasn't gone anywhere. You see, the Christmas Spirit isn't a feeling we get somewhere around Thanksgiving and lose around New Year. We don't find it singing Christmas carols and eating candy canes. Brightly coloured lights and shimmering tinsel can't bring it. The sights, smells, sounds, and warmth of Christmas only seem more dreary without it. Where is the True Spirit of Christmas? We can find It in Luke 1:35, "And the angel answered and said unto her, the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."

The Spirit of Christmas is the Holy Spirit. If you have received the greatest gift, the gift of salvation then you haven't lost the Spirit of Christmas. The problem lies when we look to the season to find Christmas joy. We often get so busy and so weighed down that we don't leave enough room for the Spirit. The sounds of the Holiday get so loud that we forget to listen to the Voice of Christmas. Take time today to get away from the Holiday. Tune out the sights and sounds of Christmas and get alone with God. You will find the Spirit of Christmas is still there when you get out God's Word and get on your knees. As I always tell the children when we pray or read God's Word, "Give God all of your attention." You will find the Christmas Spirit alive and well.

This past Sunday morning, a man who had just experienced a great tragedy got up to preach. He reminded us that God is still God. When everything you hold dear is gone, God will still be there. He never changes, He never fails. If you are holding a great burden this Season. Hold on to the Spirit of Christmas and you will find that He is there to carry your burden for you.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about please take a moment to consider these verses from God Holy Word:

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13

Repent of your sin before a Holy God and acknowledge the Christ of Christmas. Accept this greatest of all gifts today and you will know the True Spirit of Christmas. If you have just received God's gift of salvation, please let us know so that we can help you find a good church to attend and help you grow in your new life with God. You can contact us at free4ever@reachingtheloveless.com

MAY YOU BE FULL OF THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS! GOD BLESS. KEEP ON A PRAYIN'!