Charlie Browniest

This year I have not been able to get into the Christmas spirit as I have in years past. Usually by this time I have already watched every Christmas movie we own and gotten all of my gifts purchased, wrapped and sent. But this year I haven't gotten into it. I'm not sure why.

Last night we watched "Merry Christmas Charlie Brown" on TV (so blessed America still allows that show on network TV!) At one point Linus says to Charlie Brown "Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you're the Charlie Browniest." This struck a chord in me. I'm feeling very Charlie Brown-y this year. Buying gifts and decorating and even watching movies is not what it's all about. When Linus got up and read from Luke 2 my heart was warmed.

"For unto you in born this day a Savior who is Christ the Lord...

That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Yes, indeed. Christ the Lord is what Christmas is all about. My heart was filled with joy and hope for this year's Christmas season once again.

Today, my son asked if Santa would bring him a present because he tried to be a good boy this year. My heart sank again. I was so good at teaching Katie the truth of Christmas. She really understood that we celebrate Jesus being born. But somehow I've missed the mark with Eli. My apathy this year may have given room for Santa to fill the place of God in my sons way of thinking. Well, not anymore. I am getting back to the basics. I'm going to take a clue from Linus and the shepherds and remember that Jesus is worthy to be worshiped. Jesus is not just the reason for the season. He is the reason for living!

Merry Christmas Bell!

Christ Bell - someone went to a lot of trouble to make this ! THE BELL I KNOW WHO I AM I am God's child (John 1:12) I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 ) I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17) I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20) I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1) I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8) I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14) I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27) I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2) I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20) I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34) I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21) I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18) I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6) I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39) I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 ) I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 ) I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 ) I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 ) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13) I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5) I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10) I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).. I have been justified (Romans 5:1) I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10) I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5) I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5) I belong to God Do you know Who you are?

Christmas Questions

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And as I see the lights and trees and decorations and beauty all around me I have begun to reflect on different aspects of the Christmas story.

One part in particular I've been thinking about is the verse that says "there was no room for them". I began to think about how Mary and Joseph had room for Christ. The inn keeper had room for Christ. The shephers had room for Christ. The wisemen had room for Christ. All of them suffered hardship in some way to have room for Christ.

Do I have room for Christ? Am I willing to suffer at all to be sure I have room for Christ? Am I giving Him all aspects of my life? Does He reign supreme?

These are just some questions I've been thinking of that might help us all have the right perspective at Christmas this year.

Have a very Merry Christmas remembering to make room for Christ!