Merry Christmas?

Well family, we have once again arrived a the time of year when the weather turns cold, hope springs eternal, joy is effervescent and everyone seems happier. Perhaps the person who takes your order at McDonald's ensures that you have hot fries when they ordinarily wouldn't. Perhaps the clerk at your favorite retail outlet smiles and wishes you seasons greetings instead of the brisk and understated "thank you" normally offered before irritatedly helping the next customer. Perhaps there is a change even in you.

Somehow it seems that we are all, if not at our best, certainly better at this time of year. Lights, decorations and the anticipation of gifts under a tree, whether given or received, seems to lift our hearts and our countenances. Whether you are a believer or not, it is understandable that most of us experience a lift during the holidays.

What of the Christian though? What is really on our minds? Are we also caught up in the commercialism of the season, or are we taking the opportunity to remind people of the "reason for the season?" Are we thinking more about PlayStation and jewels or a broken body and spilled blood possible because of a divine birth?

It's true that no one knows when Christ was actually born. It is also true that nowhere in scripture are we commanded to commemorate his birth. The reality however, is that society has presented us with a golden opportunity to do what Christ HAS commanded, Matt 28:19. Here are a few ways those of us who call up0n the mighty name of Jesus can ensure that those with whom we come into contact will have just a little bit of the Lord during this season dedicated to his birth:

• Send Christian themed greeting cards to all of your acquaintances.
• If you opt for the popular cards made from family photos, take the picture at or in front of our edifice.
• Include a scripture in your greetings. Simple curiosity will send people to their bibles if they do not already know the text.
• Include invitations to worship, bible studies, prayer services or congregational activities with the gifts you give.
• Consider giving bibles, bible reference books or Christian literature as gifts.
• Also consider giving Christian oriented DVDs and CDs, many of which are available at Christian book stores, on line and at other retail outlets.
• Bring up the subject of Christ at holiday gatherings of friends and family.
• If you host a gathering, make prayer a part of the event

Though this is certainly not an exhaustive list of ideas, trying a few of these and perhaps others you can think of will keep us focused on what this season should really be about. Likewise, we can serve as reminders to others about the love of God displayed through the giving of his only begotten.

Many lament the fact that thoughts of giving, thanksgiving, peace and good will are confined to this season. Let us prove with the joy of knowledge and faith that the love of God supersedes all seasons.

Merry Christmas!

Each One Reach One

Each One Teach One