Where Is God In All This?

I’m pretty much an unromantic humbug when it comes to celebrations and holidays. I really have a problem with the emphasis of most such occasions focused on, “What am I going to get out of this?” So I find it hard to put “into” the festive time for fear of unsatisfying the expectations of others. It’s sad that people allow the commerce game of competition to command their spirit of giving during the “Holiday Season”. A well advertized limited edition product run of the “Air Jordan” basketball shoe by Nike nearly cost some people their life. It doesn’t matter I don’t get the shoes in my size; I’m never going to wear them. The shoes are an “investment”! Yeh! Profit! And some people are willing to kill for a pair of shoes. Our selfish ideals will be our doom.
Remember what “Christmas” is all about? It’s a time of celebrating the birth of our Savior, a gift from God. So, who’s the better, Jesus or Santa Claus? Santa lives at the North Pole… Jesus is everywhere. Santa fills your stocking with goodies once a year… Jesus supplies you every need, daily. You have to wait in line to see Santa… Jesus is as close as the mention of his name. Santa lets you sit on his lap… Jesus let’s you rest in his arms. Santa doesn’t know your name. All he can say is, “Hi! What’s your name?”… Jesus knew our name before we did. Not only does he know our name, he knows our address too. He knows our history, our future and he even knows how many hairs are on our head. Santa has a belly, like a bowl full of jelly… Jesus has a heart full of love. All Santa can offer is, “Ho, Ho, Ho!”… Jesus offers health, help and hope. Santa says, “You better not cry”… Jesus says, “Cast all your cares on me and I’ll wipe away your tears.” Santa’s little helpers make toys… Jesus makes life anew, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions. Santa may make you chuckle but… Jesus gives you joy that is your strength. While Santa puts gifts under your tree… Jesus became our gift and died on a tree. It’s obvious there is no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. Don’t become politically correct with your spiritual well-being. We desperately need to put Christ back into Christmas because Jesus is still the reason for the season.
[Jesus} Whatever the question… He is the Answer (John 14:6). Whatever the problem… He is the Solution (Matthew 11:28-29). Whatever the hurt… He is the Healer (Luke4:18). Whatever the bondage… He is the Liberator (John 8:32). Whatever the burden… He is the Overcomer (John 16:33). Whatever the need… He is the Supplier (Matthew 7:7-8). Whatever the sin… He is the Forgiver (Hebrews 10:12-17). We honor our God throughout the year with celebrations in, remembrance of Jesus’ birth and death; Pentecost, the beginning of the church; Thanksgiving, giving thanks to the Lord for supplying our everyday needs; and so on. Our celebrations have become a mislabeled box of assorted chocolates. What I’m picking to celebrate is not turning out to be what I expected. The season of thanks has become, I need and expect more for less. The season of giving has become a season of taking and getting. What has happened to God in all this? Even worship has become a competitive commodity to gain the favor of the “believers” and become the number one church. The format for the number one church is found in God’s Word. There is one message, one God, one Savior, one Spirit; without competition. Is God happy with your God-ly celebrations?