Perform

Today, we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Even though it may not be the exact date this event occurred, we acknowledge what his birth means to us. It means redemption. It means restoration. It means renewal. It is a time for reflection. It is a time to recognize the gift we have already been given.. So, as you open the gifts under your tree. Remember, that God has already given us the greatest gift…son. His son came down to perform on the stage of humanity. He performed miracles. He lived a blameless life- and gave that life that we may perform in his image. Celebrate! Acknowledge! Perform!

Holiday

For some a holiday, is just another day off. For others, it means vacation. For kids, it means no school and gifts. For adults, it might mean spending and shopping. The holidays mean different things to different people. It’s a time to recharge. It’s a time to rest. It’s a time to enjoy family and friends. It’s a time to reflect. No matter what the holiday means to you, make sure you make the most of it. Make good memories. Enjoy the moment. Cherish time spent with even the most difficult loved ones. Share the holiday spirit. Enjoy your holiday.

Merry

We only hear words like joy and merry once a year around Christmas time when companies are trying to drive sales into the black. We never hear a nationwide push for joy and happiness or splendor any other time of year. We do not promote cheer year round. Why? Why don’t we have Merry Monday’s or Happy Friday’s? Why don’t we wake up excited to be alive another day? Why do we only have joy once a year? There is something to be celebrated today. There is someone who needs to know they are loved and appreciated today. Happy Friday. Be Merry!

King

 Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

I think that sometimes between the ugly sweaters, the holiday parties, the Christmas lights and decor we forget about the miracle of the virgin birth. Yeah, we sing along with the Temptations as we decorate our Christmas tree and bolt out, "Christ the savior is born." But, do we truly grasp the gravity of that lyric? Do we understand that all the debates of when and where Christ was born are irrelevant. We celebrate the fact that this baby born to Mary and Joseph would grow up and die for our sins. Mary's baby boy would solve the problem Adam created. Jesus was born to die on a cross to save me, to save you, and to save the world. This Christmas, as the fireside is blazing bright, remember the real reason for the season...the birth of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Merry Christmas.

Joy

I went to bed with news of someone's death, and woke up this morning with news of someone's death. Every year, it seems that more and more people transition through the holidays, which in turns makes it hard for those people to endure the holidays the following year. How can we celebrate with so much gloom and doom? How can I have joy in the midst of all this sorrow and pain? Well, joy is a feeling, but it's also a choice. You can choose to wallow in despair and sadness or you can relish in memories of joy and happiness. Joy is a gift that you can open and share with the world or you can leave it unopened. Choose joy! It's an easier burden to bear. 

"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves."- Buddha

Sidenote: What does Buddha have to do with Christmas? I've always said that we have more in common than we do differences. Find your common ground. Find joy! Read more at http://www.alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-buddhist-christmas/

Profess

One of my favorite Christmas songs is Go Tell it on the Mountain. When I sang in the children's choir, I remember trying my hardest to be the loudest to sing that part. I wanted everyone to know that I knew the words, and I was excited about singing that song. I'm sure it was comic relief for all those who sat in the audience every year for those Christmas programs. I know that I sit back and chuckle at children just like me at all the Christmas recitals. I believed, and I professed. It was just that easy. Over time, my voice has gotten quieter. My light has gotten dimmer, and my profession has gotten weaker. Why? Do I not still believe? Of course, I do...but I've allowed life to happen, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. This Christmas season we need to let our light shine. We need to Go Tell it on the Mountain.  We need to profess.