During this time of year many think I've sharpened my axe and am going after every Christmas tree, or I'm gonna eliminate the elfs on the shelves, and you dare not wear a red suit if your overweight. Actually none of these things mean alot to me, they are like so many meaningless traditions we have seen throughout the ages. Traditions that may make one feel good as they perform them, but they have little value aprart from simply being a tradition. My problem I have, with any tradition, is when one uses them to substitute the presence of God.
Many this time of year will perfom their usual holiday traditions in hopes of rekindling those feelings that they had as a child. Sometimes they will succeed. The dangerous part is when people say they are celebrating the birth of Jesus and think it is possible apart from a real relationship with Jesus. For many they think their warm fuzzy feelings are God's approval of their ritualistic traditions, not realizing they can get the same warm fuzzies watching a Hallmark movie.
So many that celebrate the Christmas season have no real knowledge of what it is to bow before Christ in prayer and find the grace they need for their trial. There are so few that know what it's like to be caught up in absolute adoration that so often comes as we worship Christ in Spirit and Truth.
What we need this Christmas season is not another ritual but rather a relationship, a relationship with Jesus. So put up the trees with care and hang the stockings, but remember, what Jesus wants is not a ritual but you. Give Jesus what He really wants for Christmas, your life.
Love you guys. Pastor Philip
