"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:8-14)
Today is the day that we celebrate Christmas, the day of birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. We could get into a debate about, whether Jesus was born in December or March or whenever. We could debate the year Jesus was born. We could get into a debate about the pagan influences which were added to the holiday a few hundred years later. We could even debate about the over commercialization of Christmas. But we would miss the point.
The point is Christ was born. God sent His son who was from before the beginning of time, through whom ALL things were created, to come to earth, show us God in the flesh, show us how to live, and ultimately die in our place for the sins we have committed. Christ is the King of the Earth. He is our Lord and Savior. He died for your sins and mine, and His birth was a gift from God. As we open presents and watch eagerly as our children open their presents, as we spend time with family, and eat turkey, ham or whatever you eat, remember this is a day to celebrate and remember the birth of Jesus. Everything else is great and fun and wonderful as long as you remember what Jesus gave up for you. Remember his love, remember his life, and remember his teachings.
"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13:15-17)
On the day we celebrate the birth of our Lord, let's be reinspired to live for Him.
7 comments:
Merry Christmas again Nestor!
God bless.
That's better. Something happened and part of it didn't come out. I think one paragraph had black font. Black font on top of black background equals confused readers. (and blogmaster as well)
Nestor,
I want your opinion. I've been involved w/ our church's kids church since about the time we joined. Wanted my daughter to see me involved w/ her at church. Basically it's a rotation of every 4 to six weeks you take a turn. I've been a "helper" and only actually led it once. Now the couple that leads it are steppn down (been doin it for three yrs.) No one has stepped up to take the leadership yet. I'm considering it (really want to), but I'm not sure I have the spiritual maturity to assume this position.
This presents a connundrum for me that I've been struggln w/ for a few weeks. Our tues nite Bible study has ended due to our leader not havn the time available to lead it (she's tryn to finish her degree). Now, we're a small group, I've been asked to assume the leadership role here as well. I contacted a few people w/in our church to see if they would lead it, but again, no one seems to have the time available.
Value your opinion on this.
My opinion is this; if God is asking you to step up, then maybe you need to step up. I think you need to consider your other commitments, family etc, but if it is reasonable I think maybe you should do it.
This is my priority list.
God First. That means my personal relationship with Him should supercede everything else in my life.
Wife Second. Kids are important, but not as important as your wife.
Kids Third. Behind God and Wife, nothing should be ahead of them. God has loaned them to you. They are truly His children and He has entrusted you with them.
Family (including your family in Christ) This is tough because your parents, brothers, sisters, etc can be close to you but I usually put God's family first. You need to have a balance, however and we are commanded to take care of our parents as well as family in Christ. For me, most of my family in Christ has someone else to look out for them if I can't so I may occasionally lean toward my physical family, but you have to make that judgment call.
After that; work, hobbies, etc.
If you can be committed to taking the children's ministry role and small group leader role as well as meet the needs of your family, and job responsibilities (Your job is less important than this, but you still have to put food on the table.), and you have prayed about it and feel good, I'd say go for it.
Good advice.
I agree that your relationship w/ God is the most important. When my fellowship w/ Him suffers, all my relationships suffer.
I would differ some regardn wife and kids, whom I view of equal importance w/ possibly a little lean toward the kids. My wife I choose (and she choose me), our kids didn't have that option. And while our two oldest are mine through marraige, they're just as important to me as my first born (altho I will admit, she holds my heart).
Tough on next of importance. My extended family I feel loyal to, but it's gettn tougher w/ some of them. As far as my Christian family, they're importance has grown.
I have prayed about the whole "stepn up" thing. Used to attend a sunday apologetics study (that helped lead me to the Lord BTW) but left because they meet on sun. nites and that time is now dedicated to family. Sunday is our church and family day now.
Gonna keep prayn about it. God has communicated to me a need to do something more for my (His) church, maybe the childrens ministry is it. Re: small group study, I honestly want someone else to lead, because of what I need to learn. I think I've already made a decision here.
Thanks Nest.
About wife second. I understand the desire to put kids ahead of spouse. It seems like the right thing to do, and that's what most people say. (Although I don't know anyone in my fellowship who would say this.) Back in the day, (Not the 70's, but WAYYYY back) people did not choose who they were going to marry, but women were still commanded to respect their husbands, and men were still commanded to love their wives, till death. Your kids will not always be with you. They will hopefully be close, but they will live their own lives and have their own families. Your wife isn't going anywhere. (Although in America today, we have a society that says if marriage gets tough, then you can just quit instead of working problems out)
When you look at the relationship of marriage, it is often compared to the relationship of Christ and the Church. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."(Ephesians 5:31)(a number of other places as well) But Paul explains it well. A man and a woman become ONE FLESH. I don't see anywhere in the bible that shows so close a relationship between parents and children.
With that said. Sometimes the needs of children will come before the needs of husband and wife, just like your job needs will come before other, more important needs. However, I feel that the spousal relationship is over the parent child relationship. If your husband-wife relationship is straight, then you are better able to prioritize the kids. You may have heard the saying; "if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." If your wife is satisfied, it is much easier to take care of your children.
Very valid points.
Finally started the "big read" last night and read about the one flesh thing you mentioned.
Funny thing about walkn w/ the Lord. Before I was saved I would have said that I couldn't love anyone more than I love my daughter. But now the love I feel for the Lord can't be surpassed. This doesn't take away from my feelings for my daughter. It's hard to explain, but my love for her has increased.
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