Thursday, December 24, 2009

EVE

On the day before Christmas, many get ready with last minute actions for tomorrow. For some it is a trip to the grocery store to buy baking ingredients. Others trek to the mall to find that elusive gift for someone special. This is a day of preparation and especially for children, one of anticipation.

However, a far greater eve than the time we celebrate Jesus’ birth is upon us. A much more important day arrives. To celebrate His birth we remember the cosmic grandness of God’s love (John 3:16). Awaiting His return, we center upon His awesome judgment and the fulfillment of His promise to liberate us from our fallen nature. Sadly, too many Christians invest in the birthday at the expense of the birthright.

Meditation

2 Thessalonians 3:1,2—Finally, pray for us, brothers, that the Lord’s message may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not all have faith.

When you gather around a decorated tree and celebrate a gift exchange, will you ask God to reveal His Gift to the countless masses clueless to His love? When you eat food with loved ones remember the purpose of the Bread of Life. When you sing cheerful carols to Christ and melancholy reminders of the lowly Babe, remember that “Go tell it on the mountain!” is far more concerned with propagating the good news of salvation.

If Christmas is not a pleasant day for you and conjures memories of abuse and pain, look ahead to the eve of Jesus’ return and take hope. We can learn from Scripture, which aside from the gospel account of Jesus birth, records no passages of followers gathering to reflect on nativity. They focused on the priority of telling Jews and Gentiles of His life and what that life meant (Romans 10:8-10). The cross and not the manger is what spurred their sense of urgency. Paul asked for prayer that the gospel would spread quickly and receive honor. It is the most important message of all time.

Merry Christmas! Thank God for the birth of His Son. Celebrate! Moreover, when the winds of this birthday celebration pass, ask God to renew in your heart the willingness to do all you can to prepare people for the day He returns. “Besides this, knowing the time, it is already the hour for you to wake up from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11). Is not the greatest eve to know and to be prepared for the Day of the Lord and the brightness of His coming? Something to think about . . . in reveration!

Inspiration

Had I a thousand souls, if they were worth any thing, I would give them all to God; but I have nothing to give, when all is done . . . It is impossible for any rational creature to be happy without acting all for God; God Himself could not make him happy any other way.—David Brainerd