Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
12 27 2023
Is Christmas Over? What is it all about?
It’s Christmas but it shouldn’t be over just because it’s the 27th. I think Christmas means something different for each of us. ….Our Christmas Eve is a great family tradition of family, coming together.
That means something.
There are roots here. heritage here.
There is love and acceptance here.
There is certainly a comfort in belonging to a family. Even though we may not spend much time together individually throughout the year.
But there is still a comfort in having a family that isn’t blown up like so many in the world today.
(even though we each have our problems)
A part of me doesn’t even want to say it’s Christmas because
I don’t think most of the world prizes Christ in Christmas.
Let me share a bit of what I mean by that.
The word Jesus offends so much of the world as much as his spirit brings us together.
His name mentioned embarrasses too many of US.
We are afraid to say his name in a public forum.
But why should we take that unpopular stand when too many don’t have a relationship with Jesus?
They don’t really worship him… or really honor him, or really pray to him,
or let him truly influence the way we live.
We pick and choose what commandments we want to obey and are pretty happy, overall, with our lives until we lose one of us… or we lose our job, or a close friend has betrayed us or hurt us.
Jesus is largely lost at Christmas, even by well-meaning Christians. We talk about the magic of Christmas. We feel the joy of people being happier. People actually greet each other and share all these accolades of Merriment and Happy Christmas.
But don’t you see the world is siphoning off its true power and true purpose?
Because Jesus is Not in the world’s Christmas anymore.
But the spirit in the earth and around the globe that is really behind it… It’s the Holy Spirit and it’s about Jesus Christ alive.
The Son of the living God was born human in a small town in the Middle East, sent to bear the awful weight of sin and shame, and overpower Satan’s terrifying forces of evil,
place death itself in the grave, and clear the narrow path to paradise,
and yet how many settle for something superficial and fleeting instead — like greeting cards, newly released electronics, and a few LED lights?
Maybe the actual magic of modern Christmas is avoiding the real Christmas.
So how can being reminded of Jesus’ birth give us peace in any situation?
How can that peace set us apart from the world in the most wonderful/crazy time of year?
Christmas is about Jesus: (Colossians 1:16–17)
By him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
The one who came to live on earth – invented earth and life. This makes everything around us, everything in the universe, and everything beyond our universe its own Christmas devotion to Christ.
This carpenter was in the beginning, but he wasn’t only in the beginning.
He made all things, but he didn’t only make all things; He also holds them together —
Right now, as you read, and eat, and sing.
“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power” (Hebrews 1:3).
Yes, we celebrate Jesus at Christmas but often forget in our merriment why he came. He came And lived to Die.
The Son of Man did not come merely to be born, “but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). He received the wrath of God so that we might enjoy his presence and favor.
He died not merely to forgive an enemy, but to have his bride…You and Me! — “he is the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18).
Yes, he died but was born a second time when he walked out of his grave and put death in its grave.
He is not just this cuddly baby but his resurrection proclaimed his awesome power and authority over all the universe.
None can withstand this Christ and none will avoid his judgement!
But he says…And all who take refuge in him will never die (John 11:25–26)
What part of your life do you need to hand to God to have peace this season and the new year?
There can only be one King on a thrown. Stepping down and giving that over to Jesus cannot happen without saying you’re sorry to God and asking him for another chance to walk in his love and peace.
The Test is found in resting in God.
In the only one who can give it.
Not by religious activities but by Faith.
Roman 5:1
- We need to reflect on the higher things of God’s love.
- Spending time in prayer every day.
- Read his word because those words alone will build your inner strength to stand in the middle of your trouble spots and your demons of wanting to be accepted by the wrong people.
- Ask someone to pray with you.
- Stop standing alone.
- Become part of a group that can become your Spiritual friends and your help to stay the course and stay walking close to God.
Is 55 6-9 says, “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Finally, Jesus was born in the manure of a stable. And be very clear… Jesus is also in the manure of our lives. He is there to speak healing and forgive you. Just like Now. Too many are afraid to ask forgiveness of.. don’t let it be you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLH2mNb2K6A
Love Like This / No One Like You (Spontaneous) / Break Every Chain // The Belonging Co
