One thing I have been thinking about lately is how we celebrate Christmas. Many say that Jesus wasn’t born in December, and by what I have read, it was probably in the fall, but that is another subject. But, are we celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ or is it a time of indulging in our own desires? Not that having desires is bad, but where is our heart? Where is our priorities and how do we treat those who are in need? Jesus says, “where your heart is there your treasure will be with you also” and “seek first the kingdom of heaven.” The world has made Christmas to be about getting presents and eating as much as possible for a couple days, which is fun, but I think we often forget the real reason. Often throughout the season we reflect on this, but when it really comes down to it, how often do we thank God for sending His Son on Christmas? How often do we meditate on His word during Christmas? I know I am guilty of this and not putting my focus on Him enough. It may be some in the morning, but what about the rest of the day? What about while we are opening presents with family?
Philippians 3:17-20
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame — who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
1 John 3:16-19
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.
Let us live by Paul’s example and always walk according to God’s word and rejoice and give thanks for what God has done. Let us also follow what John tells us to love those around us and do not get sucked in to what the world does instead of what God wants.
Matthew 25:34-40
Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
Jesus says you can tell those that truly love Him by how we treat others. His desire is for us to come to Him and to love those around us.
My Daily Scriptures 