Pastor David Jeremiah in his book, “The 12 Ways of Christmas,” writes about an often celebrated event at this time of year and asks the question…

Have you ever celebrated a holiday named MEmas?

Some people observe it every December 25. For them, the CHRIST of Christmas has been replaced by a me-centered worldview. This is a celebrity generation in which everyone wants little flashes of fame and fortune. One of the reasons the average wedding costs almost thirty thousand dollars is because so many couples want to experience for at least a day the kind of endless glamour enjoyed by celebs.

Even Christmas has been affected; and if we aren’t careful, it becomes all about US-our schedules, our diets, our budgets, our wish lists, our time off, our vacation, our parking spaces, our gifts to enjoy or return.

I love the trappings of Christmas as much as anyone; but the TRUTHS of Christmas trump the TRAPPINGS of Christmas, and too many people get trapped in the trappings and forget the truth. How can we enjoy Christmas if WE’RE the reason for the season?

In a sense, of course, Christmas is all about us. God loved US, became flesh for US, died to forgive US our sins, and rose to give US everlasting life. Christmas is the celebration of what Jesus did for us. But in return we should make it all about HIM: loving HIM, serving HIM, praising HIM, and emulating HIS attitude of humility.

We’re just nine days away from Christmas 2010! Have you prepared room in your heart for Him? This Sunday is the last Sunday of Advent – a time of preparing. Come hear our Advent Choir sing and our Prime Chimers “ring,” as we sing the carols of our faith and worship the new born King! My message is entitled, “Drawing Near to God” from the classic Christmas story of Luke 2. There will be a “stocking stuffing” party right after worship to fill 300 stockings for the homeless and two Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Services next Friday evening at 5:00 and 11:00 PM. We’re also serving a Christmas Dinner for the Homeless on Christmas Day at 5:30 PM. See Cary McClellin for details!

I thank God for you and your great love for Jesus – still the one and only “Reason for the Season!”

Yours in Christ’s Love,

Mark