So here it is, Christmas time again. As much as we try to keep our focus on Christ and his birth during this time of year, it seems we still manage to get caught up in the commercialism of the season. Christmas trees attract our attention; shopping for gifts becomes a pastime; and many of us look forward to a couple of extra days off from work to spend with our families. I, too, enjoy these same things myself. I look forward to pulling out my Christmas socks to wear and driving in my neighborhood to admire the houses all decorated with splendid light displays. Nonetheless, I was challenged today when the question was posed, “has Christ been forgotten and selfishness crept in?” Our first reaction to such a question would likely be that we, as Christians, haven’t forgotten Christ! Of course not! However, listening to our Pastor this morning preach about Immanuel, and the meaning of the name, challenged me even further, and brings about my Christmas wish for you.
Isaiah 7:14 foretells the birth of Christ, and that “…His name shall be called Immanuel”. Isaiah 9:6 says, “His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace”. Now, we know that Christ wasn’t actually named any of those names, but was named Jesus. But He is known by those names, as well. When we consider the name Immanuel and its meaning, God is with us, we come to a point that we really have to ask ourselves if we have forgotten Him. The question posed today was, “If God was right next to you, how would you behave?”
My Christmas wish for you is one that carries through the entire year. My wish, and my prayer, is that we all remember that Christ is with us – every day. His spirit indwells within us; he is standing right next to us when we avoid that person we don’t want to make eye contact with. He is right next to us and hears us scream at our children. He is watching our response when we are asked to give. Have we forgotten this when we chose not to share His good word with our neighbor, or when we curse at the drive who cut us off? My wish for all of us is that we conduct ourselves in such a way that if Jesus were standing next to us, he would smile and pleased; every day of the year.
Merry Christmas to you and to your families. Rejoice with gladness from the abundance in your hearts.
That was great Debb.Though, I haven’t been around much recently, this point was made very real to me recently, we all need to be reminded, every now and then. he gave me a picture of the most isolated place in the world, for me the middle of the ocean, where storms and the like rage on and no one around, but maybe me, ex of course. No ship in sight, swimming all alone out there, seemingly without hope of rescue, and in fear of danger all around.and yet his presence would be right there with me,, watching everything! whither could i flee from your spirit, the Psalmist cried out, he’s not only there, but a witness and present help even there.That brings me comfort, fear, and a cont growing knowledge of how Great He is and as Our Lord, to never forget that.