.... that He does not take off for the Holidays.
I find it somewhat ironic that a Holiday (which is supposed to be about Jesus) is "taken off" by so many believers. When I say "taken off" I mean regular meetings, practices, bible studies, etc are put on hold because people are "too busy" to meet because of their secular holiday plans, travels, etc.
Over the past 2 weeks at church, the Tuesday night programs of youth music practice, women's bible study and men's bible study have not taken place. In fact, the entire church was locked up with all lights out.. closed for business if you will. A pretty sad commentary since this time of year should be inspiring us to worship more and study more than any other time of the year (except for Passover of course and I refuse to use the "E" word because that is pagan also but that is for another time). There is an old movie that Andy Griffith was in called "No Time For Sergeants" and it makes me want to rename this time of year, "No Time For Jesus" because that is exactly what is happening. Oh sure, we still come together on Sunday mornings to "worship" like always but to expect us to give up a shopping night so we can study God's word is simply preposterous don't ya think?
It seems to me that many "Christians" have been sucked into the secular celebration / party atmosphere that the rest of the world is engulfed in. It is like we are telling God "we know this time of year is to recognize your Son and His birth but we need to go shopping to make sure we have enough presents to give out, enough food and drink for our parties... " the list could go on and on.
This is yet another reason I believe God is not happy with us at this time of the year. The world has us caught up in the secular celebrations that we feel obligated (and our sinful nature desires) to attend. Remember, if we insist on using the "well the wiseman gave gifts which is why we do" argument that the wisemen gave their gifts to Jesus, they did not give the gifts to each other. Since the economy is a little shaky, now would be a great time to take some of the money that would normally be spent on others for gifts they may be tired of by New Year's and use those resources to help those in need and to help the Kingdom. It will be like giving the gift to Jesus. Mark 9:41 "For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
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