What Are You Giving for Christmas? – Dec. 2018

I was talking with my wife, Betty, today and she asked me about Christmas presents. This is often an important conversation for parents at this time of year. She also desires to know what I want for Christmas (which I usually don’t know). She also needs to tell me what I’ve already bought her for Christmas. 😉 While this is normally what we discuss when it comes to Christmas presents, she wanted to get my thoughts on what Jesus wanted for Christmas.

I’ve thought about this before but not during this season. It struck me that I had not thought about it this year. Has my life become so cluttered / busy / distracted that I’m forgetting what Christians should be focusing on in this season? Just because I am busy, that does not mean that I should lose the focus of Christ at the centre of all of life.

During our last Prayer Summit, I felt led to share a passage of Scripture from Philippians, part of which is: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Phil 2:14-15, ESV) This reminded me of how many people, Christians included, are during this busy season of shopping, and baking, and schoolwork due, and exams and, and, and. Yes, it can be busy, but where is the “peace and goodwill towards mankind?” (Luke 2:14)

I chose the cover art for this month’s bulletin: “Uncluttered.” I appreciate people who assist in the church and share the load. There are too many to name and I don’t want anyone to feel devalued by having some listed and others not. There are so many people involved in ministries that may seem more or less obvious but are no different in importance. Things don’t simply happen on their own but people desire to give Jesus a gift—the gift of returning to Him the love, devotion and service He has given to us.

So, what gift are you giving to Jesus this Christmas? It’s not about money or skills or talents or time or effort. Unclutter yourself from all the things and get back to the heart of the matter. Give Jesus your love and your life. When we have that back in focus, all the other things can be sorted properly and we can actually enjoy Christmas, in this season and year-round.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Pastor Merril


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