Sword of the Spirit – Choose Joy #1066

Posted on February 13, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1066

“Choose Joy”

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

We cannot always be happy – but we can always have joy. Happiness depends upon circumstances and our emotional response to them. Some situations make us happy, others make us sad.

Joy, on the other hand, stems from the abiding presence of Jesus in our heart.  It is one of the fruits of the Spirit evident in our life when we are born again by the Holy Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness… (Galatians 5:22)

We choose Joy when we choose to abide continually in the presence of Jesus. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

What does this joy of the Lord look like in our daily life circumstances? When trials and tribulation strike, those around us may despair and curse. The joy of the Lord gives us words of hope and encouragement to speak. This joy gives us patience during the season of difficulty as we remain in prayer.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

People ‘read’ your reaction and response to the same difficulties they are experiencing. They are drawn to the joy and presence of the Lord in you. The joy of the Lord strengthens you and helps you minister to those who need a touch from Jesus.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

Trials can be seen as an ‘Oh woe is me’ moment or we can see them as an opportunity for Jesus to minister to us and through us to others.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (James 1:2)

Each day is a gift from God and we have a choice to make as to how we approach it.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Begin by seeking His abiding presence and choose to abide in Him.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11)

No matter what life throws at you recognize that the day is holy and the joy of the Lord will strengthen you to overcome all difficulties.

… for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

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Sword of the Spirit – Let Go #1065

Posted on February 4, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1065

“Let Go”

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Monkeys are easily snared and caught by exploiting the fact that once they have a grip on what they want to hold on to they refuse to relax their fist and let it go. Hollowed out coconuts with an access hole large enough to let their hand through but not large enough to let a fist full of goodies back out is used to trap them. The same principle is employed in other parts of the world using termite mounds or other suitable ‘anchors’ that will keep the monkey in place long enough for the hunter to capture or kill it.  The monkey’s refusal to let go effectively traps it.

What are you holding on to that hinders your freedom? What won’t you let go of that has you trapped and vulnerable? Are you a victim of your own refusal to let something go?

Some people have a grip on things from the past that entrap them.  It may be past hurts that they refuse to let heal.  They seem to always serve up the same cup of bitter bile in conversations. This bitterness and unforgiveness eventually alienates them from friends and family alike and more importantly it hinders their walk with God. …if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. – Matthew 6:14

Others have a grip on the present material wealth and things of this world that have become a snare to them. Their hearts hear the call of God to share, be wise stewards, tithe, help others in need, yet they cannot let go to the extent that God’s Holy Spirit has prompted them to. …Jesus…said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. – Luke 18:22

Still others have a grip on their fears and worries for what might happen in the future that hinders their freedom in Christ. Their tight fisted grip is on the tangible things that they trust and rely on instead of trusting in God by faith. Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life … But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. – Matthew 6:25

Freedom comes through heart knowledge of the truth of God’s Word which comes through His abiding presence. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Romans 10:17

May you no longer be victimized by your own stubborn refusal to let go of your past as well as things present and future. May you relax your grip and let go of all that hinders your walk with the Lord. May your open hands be free to reach for the hand of Christ and heed His call to ‘Come, follow Me’. May you know the joy, freedom, and power that come through His abiding presence in your heart.

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Sword of the Spirit – Jesus Weeps #1064

Posted on January 28, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                    1064

“Jesus Weeps”

On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man. (Psalm 12:8)

I have written on the topic of abortion many times over the years, yet I am compelled to write again in light of the sick celebratory atmosphere in New York this past week over the signing into law allowing full term abortions. The New York event is not isolated. There are the Shout Your Abortion, and Abortion Care Network movements among others that proudly and cheerfully promote the murder of innocent children. More than 60 million children have been murdered in the womb since 1973 making the mother’s womb the single most dangerous place for a baby.

The tragic irony is in the fact that the state that banned the death penalty for convicted murderers just legalized the murder of innocent children in joyful fanfare. Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)

I struggle to find adequate words to express how I felt in light of the New York event. Aghast, Dumbfounded, Appalled, Angry, Sad – I felt gut-punched and could not breathe. I felt hopeless until I prayed. …when I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight until I came into the sanctuary of God; (Psalm 73:16-17)

Yes, I believe that we are living in the last days. But that is no reason for Christians to lose hope and cease to ‘occupy’ until He returns. Blessed is that servant whose master returns and finds him doing his job. (Matthew 24:46, BSB)

What can we do to occupy until He returns? Keep your homes and your heart and mind a safe sanctuary from the vileness of the world. Filter or block altogether vileness and filth that is piped into our homes through various media channels and devices.

Prayerfully put on the full armor of God every morning before venturing out to school and work. Pray without ceasing for yourself, your family, and your nation.

Vote. Exercise your right and privilege and vote to elect candidates based upon Judeo-Christian Biblical values. The lives of millions of children are at stake in addition to Christian freedom to worship and serve the one true God and His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I mourn the loss of the America that I grew up in. I believe that what grieves my heart also grieves the heart of Jesus. Just as He wept over Jerusalem, I believe that He now weeps over America for we have turned our backs on Him and have embraced evil.

May God have mercy on us. May His Holy Spirit bring a refining fire to sweep our land and bring repentance and revive our hearts to turn away from evil and return to Him. May He contend with those in power who seek to undermine the Judeo-Christian foundation that America was founded upon.

Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. (Psalm 37:27)

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Sword of the Spirit – Kiss the Son #1063

Posted on January 21, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                   1063

Kiss the Son

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 2:12)

There are three types of kiss mentioned in the Bible. There is the amorous kiss seen in the Song of Solomon. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine; (Song of Solomon 1:2)

There is the kiss of friendship which largely remains a custom to this day in many cultures. Greet one another with a holy kiss… (Romans 16:16)

The kiss from our reference Scripture in Psalm 2:12 is a kiss of respect and honor for someone in authority such as a king. We see an example of this when Samuel anoints Saul as king. Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, “Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel…” (1 Samuel 10:1)

The most important kiss mentioned in the Bible is this kiss of allegiance. With respect to Jesus, this kiss is an act of worship. The purest and most touching example of this kiss I see in the Word of God is the example of Mary Magdalene. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, … brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. (Luke 7:37-38)

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry…What would anger Jesus? A divided allegiance would. And Jesus answered him, It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’ (Luke 4:8)

A divided allegiance can take the form of half-hearted worship and religious lip service. Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;’ (Mark 7:6)

The betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot is the extreme example of such lip service. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. (Matthew 26:48-49)

Where am I in my allegiance worship relationship with Jesus? Is my allegiance divided between serving Christ and satisfying the desires of my flesh? Do I acknowledge Him from a distance with a wave or nod of the head? Is it a fist bump kind of relationship greeting? Or do I kiss the Son in worship as Mary did? Where are you in your worship relationship?

Kiss the Son…; Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! (Psalm 2:12; 95:6)

Lord, I ask that You create an undivided heart of worship in me for You. I desire to worship You in spirit and in truth. I ask in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

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Sword of the Spirit – Border Security #1062

Posted on January 14, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1062

“Border Security”

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. (Proverbs 25:28)

Our nation’s border security is in the forefront of the news lately with our government officials at an impasse regarding the proposed border wall along our southern border.

God’s Word has much to say about border security and walled cities were the norm in those days. Jericho fell when its walls were destroyed through divine intervention and Nehemiah and his team sacrificed much to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem despite fierce opposition. These all have to do with physical border security whether at the city or national level—but what about at our personal level as individuals and family units?

We may be in this world as citizens of a particular nation, but as Christians, saved by Jesus and born again by the Holy Spirit, we are first and foremost citizens of heaven. Unfortunately, far too many of us have allowed our spiritual walls to be breached and compromised by the sin of this world. For many…walk as enemies of the cross of Christ…with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ… (Philippians 3:18-20)

To be a Christian in this world but not of it requires spiritual self-control. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. (John 17:16)

This self-control comes from boundaries to effectively guard our hearts. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23)

We need to set boundaries in relationships. Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals; But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. (1 Corinthians 15:33; 1 Corinthians 5:11)

Place boundaries with relationships with non-spousal members of the opposite sex at work, in your neighborhood, even at church. Avoid being alone with them.

Place boundaries with respect to entertainment and recreation. We go to great lengths to secure our homes with alarm systems and locks yet we allow the walls to be breached with the internet and cable sewer pipe. Guard your heart and the hearts of family members with appropriate filters and the self-control to say ‘No’ to compromise with the world.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

God’s Word exhorts us to be holy and perfect and if we are truly seeking first His kingdom and righteousness we will build walls and set the necessary boundaries to keep us in the center of His perfect will. … You shall be holy, for I am holy; You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect; But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness… (1 Peter 1:16; Matthew 5:48; 6:33)

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Sword of the Spirit – Rooted in Christ #1061

Posted on January 7, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1061

“Rooted in Christ”

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6-7)

When I want to give my wife a gift of flowers, I bring her a potted plant. I learned early on in our marriage that although appreciative of the thought and the expression of my love, she viewed cut flowers as dead plants. When you think about it, it makes sense. The difference between a potted plant and a bouquet of flowers is roots. No matter the amount of effort to preserve the bouquet, without roots they are dead.

The Word of God has much to say about roots in a spiritual sense. If we are not spiritually rooted in Jesus Christ then we are spiritually dead. Indeed, we all began that way until we received Jesus as our Lord and Savior and were made spiritually alive in Him. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—… (Ephesians 2:4-5)

Even the mightiest of trees is dependent upon a healthy root system for stability, strength, and life. A healthy root system requires a depth of properly watered good soil to provide nutrition and stability for the tree. Our environment, circle of friends, etc. define our soil conditions. Having accepted Jesus Christ decades ago I see clearly now why the Lord ripped me out of the environment I was in and moved me a thousand miles away to start in fresh soil. Had I remained in my old environment I would most likely have been like seed on rocky soil and would have been in jeopardy of falling away from the faith. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. (Luke 8:13)

Good soil comes from walking with Christ and sometimes that requires being transplanted. Was being transplanted easy and fun? In a word: No. But it was necessary and I praise God for His loving care and protection to establish me and to root and ground me in His love. …so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Is the fruit of the Spirit of God evident in your life? …the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; (Galatians 5:22-23) If not, check the health of your roots and the health of the soil they are in. Are your roots well watered with the Living water of the Word of God? Is your soil well aerated, able to receive the life-giving breath of the Spirit of God or is it hard and compacted by bitterness, sin and unforgiveness? Are your roots weakened and dying from being infected by the fungus of impurity that you have allowed to invade your environment?

May you yield to the Master Gardener having accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener… My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father. (John 15:1-8) May your life glorify God as you walk with Him, firmly rooted in Jesus Christ.

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Sword of the Spirit – Upward Call #1060

Posted on December 28, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1060

“Upward Call”

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)

In August of 1954 the two fastest men who had broken the 4 minute mile, Roger Bannister and John Landy, went head to head in a race considered to be ‘The race of the century’ in Vancouver, Canada. Landy was in the lead on the last lap when he turned his head to see how far behind Bannister was. Doing so broke his stride and Roger Bannister passed him to win the race. Landy was later quoted as saying, ‘I would have won…if I hadn’t taken my eyes off the goal’.

Our reference Scripture from Philippians 3 is rich with explicit exhortation as to how we are to respond to our heavenly invitation – our upward call. Let’s examine this Scripture more closely.

…I do not consider that I have made it my own…: Paul is not talking about salvation or his eternal position in Christ here. He is talking about his sanctification – his goal of being Christ like in every facet of his life. Paul realized that he, like the rest of us, fall short of the mark that is Jesus Christ. …for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. (Romans 3:23,24; 1 Corinthians 10:12)

…forgetting what lies behind…: We need to learn from our past but not dwell or wallow in it. The enemy of our soul will try to entice us to return to past sins, tempting us with thoughts of sinful pleasure. If that does not work he will seek to destroy our joy in the present with thoughts of unworthiness because of our past sins. I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (Isaiah 43:25; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

…and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal…: Have you ever dropped your car keys into that bottomless pit between the console and the driver’s seat? If so, you understand what it means to strain forward to reach them in an earnest pursuit: pressing on toward the goal. This is the imagery Paul is conveying in his epistle.

We have a heavenly invitation and like Paul we should live our lives in earnest pursuit reaching for the goal of living holy, mature Christian lives this side of eternity. You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.  (Leviticus 19:2; Matthew 5:48)

Paul is not striving to achieve righteousness through works. He is earnestly seeking an undivided heart for God and an increasingly closer personal relationship with Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment…(Ephesians 2:8-9; Isaiah 64:6)

May your heavenly invitation – your upward call kindle an earnest desire to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus. May you have a Happy and Holy New Year.

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Sword of the Spirit – The Gift of Perspective #1059

Posted on December 17, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1059

“The Gift of Perspective”

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!

But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. (2 Peter 3:9-14)

A story is told about a well-respected Pastor who was invited to speak at the dedication of an elaborate new church sanctuary.  Much was said about the beauty and features of the building prior to introducing the guest speaker. The Pastor quietly approached the podium and said, “It’s all going to burn”.

The Pastor’s intent was to put everything back into perspective. The focus of our lives must be our relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. It is very easy to lose that focus as individuals as well as church communities. Too great an emphasis can be placed upon the physical trappings of a building and lose the proper perspective that facilities are to facilitate ministry and not hinder it.

How many of us have striven for the biggest house or fanciest car only to resent them later. Have you ever lost your temper with your child if they broke a favorite dish or spilled something in your new car? People buy expensive clothes and jewelry yet are afraid to wear them for fear of loss or damage. Cars will rust, houses will rot, and moths eat our clothing. It’s all going to burn.

During this season of gift giving and receiving, give yourself and others the gift of perspective. Far too many of us are buying things we don’t need with money we don’t have to give to people we don’t even like in hopes of currying favor.

The gift of perspective reminds us that Jesus is the reason for the season. Our relationship with Him as our Lord and Savior is all that really matters. It is all that will last forever unto eternity. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

May you be reminded during this Christmas season of the free gift of God offered to you in the person of Jesus Christ.  For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (Ephesians 2:8)

Merry Christmas!

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Sword of the Spirit – Savior and Judge #1058

Posted on December 10, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1058

“Savior and Judge”

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Consider for a moment who Jesus is to you. When you think of Him, what image do you see? Is He always the babe in the manger, or the crucified Savior on the cross? Or do you see the risen Christ, seated at the right hand of the Father with all power and authority given to Him? And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18)

During the Christmas holiday season, the birth of Christ is celebrated and we reflect on Him as the child in the manger in Bethlehem. Our children see the ‘baby Jesus’ statue in the manger scenes in our churches and homes.

Then comes the Easter season and we see portrayed the beaten, tortured and crucified Christ and we celebrate our salvation through His death and resurrection. The problem is that we have relegated Jesus to specific events during the year like President’s Day and the Fourth of July. But unlike memorial holidays from history, Jesus Christ is as alive today as He has been for eternity.

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end…says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 22:13; 1:8)

We need to celebrate the Lordship of Jesus Christ every moment of every day as His stewards wholly submitted to His authority.  For this Christ child, born in the manger – this Savior of mankind who suffered and died for our sins is the resurrected Christ who will judge all mankind.

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead…For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (Acts 17:30-31; 2 Corinthians 5:10

A cartoon in a recent Sunday paper showed a family going to church together. The kids rejoiced that Dad was going with them. The oldest son asked his Dad why he did not stay at home and watch football as was his apparent custom. The Dad mentioned that he now was able to DVR the game. The last frame of the cartoon shows the Dad upset at the score as he watched over the shoulder of a man in the pew in front of him streaming the game on his device during the service.

This cartoon, unfortunately, is more reality than it is fiction. Our relationship with Jesus must grow to be one of continual fellowship throughout the year. We must grow beyond that of ‘lordship lip service’ given half-heartedly at designated seasons of celebration of our faith.

May every moment of your life, your thoughts and actions, your whole being, heart, mind and soul, indicate His Lordship.

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Sword of the Spirit – Holiday or Holy Day #1057

Posted on December 3, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1057

“Holiday or Holy Day”

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Imagine going to a birthday party where all the guests arrive to exchange gifts with each other EXCEPT the guest of honor? Isn’t that what the Christmas season has become?

For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:26)

Happy Holidays! Merry Xmas! Xmas trees. Holiday wreaths and cards.  Season’s Greetings.  In all of the terminology there is something notably missing and its absence speaks volumes about the state of our global society.

There is a worldwide birthday celebration at this time of year and the guest of honor is not invited. His chair is empty and marked with an ‘X’. His name has been edged out in favor of generic, politically correct terminology. The tradition of gift exchange in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior has in itself become a ‘god’. The brunt of annual retail sales and the promise of greater profits have transformed the celebration of Jesus’ birth into a celebration of greed and materialism.

Man is seeking to ‘gain the whole world’ and in the process is forfeiting his soul and the Word of God asks ‘What good is it?’ Businesses are ashamed of the Jesus Christ of the season and have edged Him out in order not to offend potential revenue sources.

For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? (Luke 9:25)

God’s Word challenges you to not be ashamed of Jesus. Go beyond ‘Happy Holidays’ and be a radical. Boldly wish your customers, neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances – people you meet on the street a ‘Merry Christmas’. Don’t give in to societal pressure by spelling ‘Christ’ with an ‘X’.

Act in accordance with the fact that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Celebrate the season’s true meaning and give gifts to Jesus by giving to those who cannot give anything back.

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me…‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:35-40)

Enjoy the holiday by celebrating the Holy Day of our Savior’s birth and have a Merry Christmas!

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