Season of Gifts

Dear Church Family,

I love the combination of November and December. The Season kicks off with the amazing fall colors of the the leaves on the trees. November is a time to start giving thanks to God for everything He has given us. Then, December is the time to focus on the Greatest Gift of All, Jesus Christ and maybe our first snow. What’s not to love? The trouble with being so blessed is that we tend to think that we somehow deserve all of these blessings or that we are lucky for having them. Jesus and the Disciples had heartache and pain in their lives because they were uniquely focused on evangelism. If anyone deserved blessings, it was them. The word lucky is solely designed to steal God’s glory. I personally boycott any form of the word luck. Because, if it is good, it came from God.

In fact, James 1:16-17 says, “16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” “Do not be deceived” means just what it says. If you think your blessings are anything but a gift from God, then you have totally missed the point of the blessing. Sometimes, even the gift itself can become an idol if we focus on the gift and not the Giver. God lavishes us with blessings because He loves us. Should we not give Him the glory and our gratitude?

One of the greatest gifts God has given us is to allow us to participate in the process of evangelism. He certainly doesn’t need us for any part of the process. However, His great love for us is shown when we mere mortals can actively participate in the salvation of another human being. What an honor! James 1:18 says, “18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” Our salvation is wholy due to God’s amazing grace. As Jesus was the beginning and living illustration of how to live that others may be saved, so we are to imitate Jesus and His ministry (as best we can) so that others may be saved.

This November and December, please focus on the amazing gifts God has given you. Then, give all of the glory to God. Remember that the best way to glorify God is to care about what He cares about-lost souls. After all this season culminates in the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. If it’s His birthday, then what are we doing giving each other gifts? Shouldn’t we be working towards giving Jesus a gift? What do you get the Son of God for His birthday? We give obedience in the process of salvation that we might lead one more person to salvation. Tell everyone you meet about Jesus and how wonderful He is. Invite them to church. Invite them to eternal life. Finally, don’t forget to thank God for the gift to participate in that process.

Thankfully Yours,

Pastor Rob