Did You Get What You Wanted for Christmas?

So, what did you get for Christmas? Did you get what you wanted?

Several years ago my wife asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I replied, "I can't think of anything you can buy me that I want to pay for." Such is the cynicism of adulthood. Perhaps that is why Christmas is for children. It keeps us young as we watch the excitement in their eyes when they open up one surprise gift after another. For a few hours we are able to forget the reality that someone will have to pay for this.

If you didn't get what you wanted, did you get what you deserve? Everyone knows and freely quotes John 3:16; but many people haven't heard that Jesus said, "God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world." (John 3:17) Why is that?

Why didn't God send his son to condemn the world? Could it be that we condemn ourselves? God created the world and everything in it. How could he not love it? It must break His heart to see how we ignore Him, abuse each other, and trash His creation. Yet, He does not condemn us; but wants to save us from ourselves. A couple of years ago my wife gave me a small stocking with a lump of coal inside. I think it was a joke, but I keep it around as a reminder of what I deserve.

As the days get longer and the cold gets stronger, we all gather with friends and family to celebrate the Christ Mass. This is the time we remember that God stepped out of heaven and walked with us to show us the way. We are reminded that

EVERYONE NEEDS COMPASSION
Love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour
The Hope of nations

God has freely given us everything we need and we pray that you will gratefully share what has been freely given; compassion, never failing love, mercy, forgiveness and kindness.

Preparing for Christmas

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. Luke 2:8 - NIV

It is exhilarating to live in rural Nebraska in the winter. The stars are brilliant in the crisp winter sky. Even the moon seems to be larger and shine brighter. It is so peaceful to be seated under this awesome display of God's power and grace.

The apostle Paul wrote "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise". Consider the nativity story. God decided to send His Son into the world to show us Himself. The only questions are when and how. God chose a laborer from a no-name town in a sleepy backwater district and his fiance. In the fullness of time, she gave birth in a stable carved into the side of a rock.

Now, how would He announce His arrival to the world? God first announced this great news to a bunch of smelly shepherds sleeping under the stars.

It has been my life experience that it is easier to experience God when I take the time to associate with the foolish things of the world. Your challenge in this advent season is to spend some time with a child, learn the name of the security guard at work, and ask the janitor about her family. God is everywhere from the soaring majesty of the universe to the simple comforts of a clean room. We are inspired by beautiful decorations, festive gatherings, and powerful music. We also find His presence in simple acts of kindness, thoughtful gifts shared, and the mundane routine of our daily lives.

We pray that you will take the time to look for the presence of God every day.