"It is a merry Christmas all the year round to a soul that has an unstaggering faith in the promises of the blessed God.” Charles Spurgeon
I had to take the wreaths down at work today. I take great pleasure in putting them up in November, but I dread taking them down.
Chad asked me when I would turn off the outside lights a few days ago. I ignored him.
When I told a co-worker I want to celebrate Jesus all year long with my trees and lights, she said of course you do, but it's not His birthday anymore. Ok, she's not wrong, but I still didn't want to hear it.
There's something about December. People smile more readily. Patience seems to last longer. Giving is at a premium and grace is in abundance.
Of course, Christmas compels us to think of the birth of our Savior. It allows us to bask in the wondrous mystery of the Incarnation. We celebrate with the shepherds as they see the face of God.
Let's never forget, though, the purpose of the cradle was the cross. His blood that flowed from that cross released us from the pain and despair of this world.
Perhaps it's not the day I long for; maybe it's the person of Jesus, his servanthood, humility, mercy, and love. These are all things I connect with the Christmas season.
Let's never forget, though, the purpose of the cradle was the cross. His blood that flowed from that cross released us from the pain and despair of this world.
I once said I wish I could bottle the month of December and bring it out whenever I needed the joy of the season. But I've learned that joy from this wondrous mystery is available daily to all of us. We can give generously any day of the year. Smiling is easy every day. Patience, well, that’s not as easy, but we can certainly strive for it. And I know for sure that I can tell people about the baby that was born to save our lives.
I love how Charles Spurgeon says it, “When heaven entrusts a man with a merciful revelation, he is bound to deliver the good tidings. Just as the angels were tasked with spreading the message abroad, Christians must keep Christmas by telling their fellow men the great news of Jesus Christ and the blood He shed for us."
When heaven entrusts a man with a merciful revelation, he is bound to deliver the good tidings.
Whose dreary January will you light up with the Messiah?