Now I know it's time to put away the Christmas tree, bring in the lawn ornaments, and take down the colored lights and deal with the cold of January. All the hype of Advent is passed and we are left with the depressing reality of life getting back to "normal". But what does NORMAL mean after Christmas? Doesn't Christmas change everything?
So I've decide that I will be the post-Ebenzer Scrooge and try my best to live out the Spirit of Christmas for the rest of this year. That doesn't mean I plan on giving gifts every day, but to realize that I've been given a gift at Christmas and the gift has changed me. I have a new perspective and a new outlook on life. I will live like Christmas matters, that God has a plan for my life that Jesus talks about, and the I will commit to do something about.
If Christmas Matters, then....
Worship will be more joyful and celebrative-- those who encountered Jesus were transformed by the experience and many gave their lives to share what they had learned. They called it Good News. Mission will be a source of energy and Focus -- We must rise above mere contentment with the way things are and begin to dream of the way things should be. Christmas is about God showing us the Way in flesh and blood, in words and deeds, and in love and sacrifice. Prayer and Spiritual development -- it is so easy to forget why we do what we are called to do. We must stay focused on what God wants for us, individually, before we can ever think we have something to share with others. Christmas is about becoming like the shepherds, hearing the angles sing, seeing the Christ Child with awe and wonder, and then proclaiming the all we've seen and heard. Radical Hospitality -- hospitality is the gentle compassionate welcome of stranges that invites them into a deeper friendship. I call it radical because in our culture, email and isolation are the norm. Anything that breaks down barriers between people is radical in my book. Christmas is about giving our hearts to those we love through tangible expressions of joy, gift giving, and joyful celebratios that remind us of why we're alive. Signature Ministry -- FUMC must stand for something other than itself. It must represent the goodness of its people, the high ideals of heaven, and the humblest actions of a servant of Christ Jesus to a community skeptical of people of faith. Christmas is about giving, and its time FUMC gives its hearts to something noble. I hope you'll join me. What do you think I've missed? Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!Email Subscription: