December 2006

12.01.2006

ne Parson’s Opinion

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Christmas season is upon us. Yes, I know that some of the stores have been “pushing” Christmas since September. But, most of us don’t start to focus on Christmas until after Thanksgiving.

There are many activities at the church building this season and I hope you will find time in your busy schedule to be a part of some of these.

Now, may I mention a “pet peeve” of mine? (This “pet peeve” brings out the “Scrooge” in me.) My pet peeve is the busyness of the season. This busyness seems to take away from the joy of the season.

We do have lots of responsibilities. There are presents to buy and programs to attend and special services to attend and visits to be made to family and friends.

I guess I truly am getting to be a “Scrooge.” You see, what I’d like is to do less and enjoy the events a little more. I find myself hustling from one event to another.

It seems when I was a kid (which I know was before the earth’s crust hardened!) Christmas was a lot more fun. Maybe it’s because I was a kid. (That has been suggested!) But I contend it’s more than that. I contend the busyness robs us of some of the joy.

I want to challenge you to slow down (just a little) this season. You define what slowing down is for you. By doing so, though, I wonder if you might not enjoy Christmas a little more.

By the way, it’s about to be 2007. Where did 2006 go? I think I have the answer! I was too busy and it slipped right through my hands.

Remember, this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:4). I wonder if it’s a trick of the Evil One to keep us so busy that we miss focusing on the incarnation of Jesus, which is the “reason for the season.”

Christmas is the time we celebrate our Savior beginning His rescue mission to the people of planet earth.

See you on the Lord’s Day,
Jim

Posted by arbc at 12:15 PM