An Enduring Gift

"Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” -Matt 9:10-13 (NASB)

Merry Christmas everyone! I really want to write something today that is keeping in line with the season, but not too cliche', and also sends a great message all at the same time. I know this is a time of celebrating "the Reason for the season", a time when Christians battle the non-believers for "keeping Christ in Christmas", and really reaching out to those in need. Those are ALL great things, and should never be downplayed. I just pray that we all keep this going not only all year long, but throughout our lifetimes as followers of Jesus Christ. Christmas time is sometimes a feel-good time of the year, but how often does the glow of giving and the love wear off within the next few months? For example: I used to work at a gym. New Year's was our absolute craziest time of the year, simply due to all of the New Year's resolutions that would have people who normally were not dedicated to working out flooding the gyms. In fact, our regular members would usually get quite annoyed because the place was so packed, but that came to the thought and truth of "give it a month or two and they'll all be gone." Yup, nine times out of ten that held true.

What I'm getting at here is we need to both represent Jesus and share the Gospel constantly- not just a few times a year. There is WAY too much at stake for us to back off right now! Read the scripture above again. Are we showing that true godly love and compassion? Are we following the example set in Matthew 25:35-40. Not just this holiday season, but always, are you opening your door to those in need, are we giving up our "wants" so that others can be blessed with "needs"? Our churches will be filled in the next couple days by what I've heard termed "CEO's" (Christmas and Easter only). Our job is to be that salt and light within those building walls in making sure our guests return. It is not just our pastors' job to invite others back, it's our responsibility as well. Volunteer whenever possible; give whenever you can; and by all means...please keep speaking the Truth to the lost! Jesus is the ultimate Gift...Who died for everyone, always. Let that warmth we share as we celebrate our Savior's birth this weekend really resonate with the rest of the world. Let them see what we already know, and show them that the greatest gift ever given already lives in you!

Have a wonderful and extremely blessed Christmas,

Matt