Christmas Thoughts,
As I sit here with my wife in the quiet of our home looking at the glimmer of our tree and thinking of the joy that we have experienced this year and this season in Jesus, I recognize that another year has come and gone. I was reminded today in my conversation with some other believers that there are a whole lot of issues going on in our culture and in this world that would try to get our eyes off of Jesus. We continue to have so many social and political issues swirling around us in what seems like an endless ocean of corruption, pain and suffering.
As Christians we understand the unrighteous and ungodly nature of man because we realize that man is separated from God and walking in darkness, even as we all were before we came to Jesus and our eyes were opened to the truth of our need for salvation and the transforming power of His Holy Spirit. Because of this, we cannot and should not, ever think that the world we live in will ever solve its problems of selfishness, insanity, greed, and hatred. We can, and definitely should, be thankful for the blessings and joys of being redeemed from this world and saved by the wonderful mercy and grace of our God. Ephesians 2: 1 -9 (Saved by Grace, made Alive in Christ)
Going forward into 2013 may we be cautious about getting caught up in the social and political arguments and “solutions” that promise relief from the troubles of this world and yet have no power to overcome the sin that underlies it all. May we, as God’s people, focus our lives on sharing the hope and joy we have in Jesus and His Truth. May the Lord give us boldness and wisdom to share the saving grace of our Lord. Most of all, may we diligently pray for the souls of our families, our neighbors, and friends and for revival in the coming year.
Blessings and Love to All in Christ Jesus, Vince
AMEN, Pastor Vince