Holiday Survival Kit

Black Friday is over. Cyber Monday is upon us. One article caught my eye, promising you could survive Christmas if you do all your shopping online. “Survive” connotes a dim view of the holidays. Though I do not always succeed in following it myself, I know a recipe for Holiday happiness?—a Mary Christmas.

Though this analogy may be old, it never gets tired. While Jesus' visit to the home of Mary and Martha was not Christmas, it was as special as any holiday. And while Martha focused like a scud missile on dinner preparations, Mary made a beeline for the best spot in the house, at Jesus’ feet. While Martha was stewing in the disappointed expectations of a perfect meal, Mary was consuming the abundance of fruit that fell from Jesus’ lips. Martha busied herself with ‘every’ thing while Mary quieted herself with ‘one’ thing.

As we begin preparations for this year's Christmas festivities, let us not allow disappointment with secondary things—family, food, presents—to steal our joy from that which is primary. Jesus came to earth “that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Don’t allow a “Martha” mentality to steal your “Mary Christmas.”

Living Thankfully with God's Presents

Tomorrow a fixed commercial ethic will be breached. Stores will be open early Thanksgiving Day morning to kick off the Christmas shopping frenzy! Whether you choose to participate or not, it's only a matter of time before you begin your pursuit of those perfect presents to give your loved ones.

 

And did you know that Giving is divine! The Bible declares that God gives good and perfect presents: everything we need for living a godly life (James 1:17; 2 Pet 1:3-4). Paul fills in the details: the gift of salvation, of eternal life, of grace, and of Jesus Himself. Moreover, Christ has given us gifts to serve and encourage one another.

And if that's not enough, Jesus considers us a gift. Yes, He will “present to Himself a glorious church,” and “present her faultless before God” (Jude 24). Consequently, God asks us to “present our bodies to God as a living and holy sacrifice,” and to “present ourselves approved to God” (Rom 12:1, 2 Tim 2:15). Considering this present-rich environment, is it any wonder the Psalmist happily declares, “In His Presence (or is it presents?) is fullness of joy!” (16:11) Live THANKFULLY!

Christmas Presence in the Mall

Black Friday is appropriately named—it’s the gross over-commercialization of Christmas. But it’s only a symbol of the larger problem. The eternal spirit of Christmas has become temporal and material. The secularization of Christmas—now called a holiday—re-focuses the most celebrated Christian day of the year from rejoicing in God’s Presence to celebrating man’s presents.  “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name 'Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us’” (Matt 1:23).

As I was reflecting on the impoverished condition of Christmas in our nation—trees, lights, pretty paper, Santa Claus, elves, etc.—I was sent the following YouTube video. Right in the middle of a large mall in ‘Anywhere America’ a group of Christians begins singing the songs of Christmas, of Christ, of good news. As you will see, right in the midst of busy shoppers purchasing passing presents, God’s surpassing Presence prevails. Please take a moment to watch it. You won’t be disappointed.

“Christmas Flash Mob by Journey of Faith at South Bay Galleria”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnt7euRF5Pg

Sparrows?

When you are in a public place surrounded by thousands of persons, aren’t you awestruck that God is thinking about and paying attention to every person there? And then you realize there are 6 ½ billion people in the world, not to mention the billions who have ever lived—and you are blown away.

Jesus said, “Aren't two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's consent” (Matthew 10:29). Sparrows are among the least important creatures on earth. Thus the image of God’s attention to a sparrow is pretty astonishing.

In the banality of our daily routines, it is pretty easy to forget God’s steady presence. And we find ourselves living as though God is not paying any attention. When I was in Belize, I had such a strong sense of having been “sent” there that every moment had meaning to it. I knew God was Present and involved—with great attention to detail. Now, at home, back to my routine, I find I am less so.

“Many, O LORD my God, are...Your thoughts toward us. There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, they would be too numerous to count” (Psalm 40:5). In other words, God is always thinking about me! Maybe someone besides me needs to be reminded of this today.