Around this time of year how many of us have heard someone say to a small child "have you been good" referring to of course telling them Santa is not coming to bad boys and girls? The focus of Christmas should be on Jesus and not on Santa Claus in my humble opinion. Centering something on getting gifts from Santa takes away from the babe in a manger and the best gift of all.
Asking a child if he or she has been good sort of sends a mixed message of "I have to be good to get anywhere in life". Of course we want our children to do good and be good but people mess up sometimes. Guess what? God is not after perfect people who do not make mistakes. He will still love us and forgive us.
Micah 6:8(ESV) is a favorite verse of mine. It says 'He has told you O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.' Simply put in a nutshell. God is the only one who is truly good. We should want to follow His example and be a good citizen and share Jesus' love but not to put conditions on getting gifts. Jesus is the best gift of all.
Ephesians 2:8-9(KJV) says 'For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.' Have you made Jesus Lord of your life?
PRAYER: I thank you Lord for this time of year to be able to focus on giving and sharing. Help me to remember to give and share the other 11 months as well. I know you desire a pure undivided heart that loves you. Help me Lord to seek you first and not the worlds' things. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Becky: Good message here. We need to get back to the meaning of Christmas- the birth of Jesus,before it's too late.
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