Dearly Redeemed
In Christ,
“And
this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).
In all the activities and events of this Christmas season,
God’s Word above givens us a sense of the first Christmas and what Christmas is
truly about. Christmas is a time of excitement, no doubt, but it’s also a time
of serenity, anticipation and the realization of the most Blessed Gift given to
mankind…Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
You know that we are now living in a day and age when
“Christmas” is constantly under attack! Christians are placed into positions
that make them look foolish for saying, “Blessed Christmas” or are made to feel
guilty for voicing the truth that “Jesus is the reason for Christmas!”
Let me say, with a very loud voice, and I pray you will join me…I AM NOT
ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL…and…CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT JESUS!
I want to encourage each of you, sincerely, to keep Jesus
foremost in all that you do, especially during the Christmas season! It is
important to remember that God will provide wonderful opportunities for you to
speak the truth about Christmas to family and friends. May the Holy Spirit
speak through you, in love, and may your confession be bold. During this
season, many people need to hear the Gospel of Jesus as they struggle with
thoughts of long ago and the joys they once had. You can be the voice who
points them to the unending joy of God’s Kingdom and the mercy of God in
sending His Son for the redemption of the whole world.
This is also a time to remember all that God has and
continues to do for you. He certainly has brought peace to you and goodwill. I
pray that you will re-dedicate yourself to loving God will all your heart,
mind, and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. Especially as you
remember the immense love God has shown you in sending Jesus for the
forgiveness of all your sin.
So, rejoice! I say again, rejoice! Our Lord and Savior was
born so that He could die–for you! Rejoice in the unending chorus of, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with
whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:14).
A Blessed Christmas to you,
Pastor Patterson
