" Oh, we have to have gifts for everyone or it wouldn't be Christmas." Ever hear something like that? No, the fact is if it wasn't for Jesus there would be no Christmas.
Oh, yes some will say it is not really Jesus' birthday. Some will pick apart the Nativity scene (including me). Yes, the wise men came on horses not camels and they were not there at the birth of Christ, but when Jesus was a toddler. The point here is that we do celebrate our RISEN SAVIOUR - - JESUS CHRIST!!
Our past does PENETRATE our present and future. So often what we did or were exposed to in our past, we hang on to and let it affect us as we move forward in the present and future.
We all have our own stories from the past but we must remember: He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:4–5)
Then in the present. God's persistent love through the ages moves to redemption and forgiveness of sins in the present. Everything hinges on this. If we are left in our sin, then we are separated from God. Only Christ's surprising sacrifice for us can bring the holy God so close that he never leaves.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespesses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose. (Ephesians 1:7–9)
All good stories end well, giving us hope for the future, without hope the future looks bleak.
8b-With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:8b-14
In summary from me: LET GO---LET GOD!! Let go of your past, live in the present, and look forward to the future. Sounds easy, it is not, but it works. To read more of about the Christmas story go to CUaB Tyler. Thank you for reading today. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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