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No matter where a person is in life, they will come to a point in time when they evaluate all factors within their lives and set standards. The highest of these standards will come to be established as priorities and classify them as the "important things of my life". In a similar manner, during the Christmas season, a follower of Jesus will set priorities that may follow the concentric circle of faith, family, and friends.
Christmas time is here. Gifts have been given to loved ones and celebrations have begun. Sounds of cheer and joy resound through the air. Surely, it is Christmas Day. Today we celebrate God’'s love for mankind by sending His son, Jesus, for the liberation from the bonds of sin that both bind their hearts and souls. Only one person could truly fulfill this requirement, a perfect and pure one, without sin in their lives; His name is Jesus.
It is a few days before Christmas Day. People continue to hunt down the right gifts, attend festive gatherings, and participate in activities that commemorate the birth of Christ Jesus, the “"Anointed Savior"” for all mankind. Yet, to what degree of balance do they do so? Are they placing greater emphasis on festivities or are they placing it on Christ Jesus?
This year, Christmas came early into town. All the shops had their Christmas merchandise right next to each other: Halloween, Thanksgiving, and a little bit of Christmas. Once one of the holidays had come to pass, the following one was encouraged with more merchandise. Now we are in Christmas season ... more specific American Christmas Advent.
Christmas time is here. Many people are shuffling and buzzing through the store aisles as well as websites for the right gift, at just the right price. They are swamped with family gatherings as well as those with close friends and co-workers. However, there is still an emptiness inside their heart. Somehow, someway, the Christmas season has placed burdens over their shoulders as oppose to peace, comfort and joy.
One of my favorite Christmas stories to be presented as a movie is Charles Dickens' "Christmas Carol". This story presents a good testimony regarding the dryness, greed, and bitterness that the strong desire for money may progressively develop within the depth of a person's heart and soul. Yet, in the midst of all the corruption that is had been created, within the character of Ebeneezer Scrooge, an opportunity for liberation and change is presented to him.
It is the last Sunday before Christmas. For many churches it was the last opportunity to present their Winter, Holiday, or Christmas "show". They have spent a great amount of time and money in practice, props, costumes, lighting, and sound ... some even charged for the show (to help cover some the expenses). Many of these shows were "sugar-coated" with some scripture or principal from the Bible. Many of these churches had this "show" as their big project for the "Christmas season", yet neglected to allocate time and money to reach out to the world that does not know that Christmas is a time to remember God's ultimate gift .... Jesus, here on Earth!
As we have gone through the city, we have seen the rush of the Christmas season in both automobile and check-out traffic. In some areas, this phenomena began before Thanksgiving Day arrived! Yet, people continue to go out and search for all the right gifts for friends, loved ones, and even some co-workers. However, toward the end of the season, on Christmas Eve, few people realize that they forgot a gift ... the most important one of all ... a gift for Christ Jesus.
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R. A. Gómez |
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