More Christmas Conspiracy

SCRIPTURE
"So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ." (Colossians 1:28)

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." (Colossians 3:12-14)

OBSERVATION
Christmas is here. There are just a couple of weeks until the birth of Christ and the big blow-up Santa is up at the car dealership on Hwy21. It's cold and rainy, wrapping paper has materialized in the house. The malls are packed and Christmas parties are in full swing.

It's a wonderful and exciting season that's also hectic and stressful. Yesterday, I heard a story about a person who was standing in line at Starbucks behind a guy who was buying a few gift cards for Christmas - The stranger turned around, handed her a card and said "Merry Christmas," smiled and walked away. A caring word, a smile, letting someone cut in on the road, holding an elevator or opening a door - little gestures that remind people that there is a peace that overflows from a place much deeper than exchanging gifts.

SPEND LESS,
GIVE MORE RELATIONALLY,
WORSHIP JESUS FULLY,
LOVE WINS

How are you doing on these?

APPLICATION
We need to celebrate the powerful opportunities that Christmas brings! Let's thank God for the chance to partner with Him in this season. In the midst of all of the busy-ness, let's all take the time to reflect on Paul's words in Colossians 3 and ask God for a double portion of patience, kindness and humility. We have the ability to positively influence our neighbors, co-workers, friends and family with a friendly and inspiring spirit.

PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of everlasting life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. In this precious Christmas season please pour out Your spirit on us so that we experience it in the way that You'd like us to - to see past just the lights, music, gifts and events, but to see it from Your eyes, to give thanks and celebrate the birth, life and mission of our Lord and Savior.
In Jesus name, Amen