Luke 2:17-20
Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
John 12:26
If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
This time of year it is not difficult to focus on Jesus. We see nativity scenes in front of churches, we see special television shows about the birth of Christ and we hear messages that tell us again the very familiar story of Christ’s birth. What about the rest of the year? Do we focus on Jesus as a daily lifestyle? Is He the most important person we know and is He sufficient for our every need? Now this may take you off guard a bit just thinking about these questions. I have written many Christmas messages over the years and all of them share the Good News of Christ’s birth but this year is different. Our world has changed much where Christmas is concerned. Many people want to take the Christ out of Christmas but they can’t. He is the Reason for the Season. So where do you stand? We enjoy the festivities, the parties, the beautiful decorations and the Christmas carols. For many it has become so commonplace to hear the songs that we do not listen to the words. We do not celebrate the Christ of Christmas like we used to do in this country. That is so sad. Well, we will celebrate Jesus as the Reason for this very special season. At our house church Saturday the theme of our time together was focusing on Jesus. When we focus on Jesus that means we read the Word and we read His instructions to us. We abide by those instructions and we walk each day in obedience to Christ. John 12:26 is pretty clear. Take time this year to reflect on your life and see if you focus on Jesus. If we look at our circumstances and not the truth of the Word then we will live in fear, anxiety, worry and dread. But if we focus on Jesus, on the promises of the Word and His love for us, then the circumstances of our life will take a back seat to the joy of serving a Risen Christ and our lives will take on new meaning and purpose.
This year has been a busy one for us. We made 3 trips. One trip was to Colorado and Missouri for 5 weeks, another to San Antonio for 2 weeks and then a 7 week trip to the East Coast. I have written in earlier blogs about those times of ministry. We just returned from San Antonio after spending Thanksgiving week with our daughter and family. Oh the joy of being where Father wants you to be. Focusing on Jesus our Savior and walking in obedience to our Father’s plans and purposes for us.
May each of you experience the truth of Christmas this year, Jesus Christ the Hope of Glory! Listen closely to the Christmas songs, greet those you meet with a Merry Christmas and love with God’s love the people He brings into your life. It will truly change your life.
We love each one of you and thank you for praying for Christ’s Kingdom Ministries and for us personally. We look so forward to the New Year with all the opportunities to focus on Jesus.
Charley & Karen
Christ’s Kingdom Ministries Matthew 6:33
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