DAILY WORD – MONDAY 19 DECEMBER 2005

TAKE HEED TO YOURSELVES, LEST YOUR [MINDS AND] HEARTS BE DECEIVED AND YOU TURN ASIDE AND SERVE OTHER GODS AND WORSHIP THEM. (DEUTERONOMY 11:16)

Whenever we think of other gods we immediately think of ‘golden calves’, statues of animals or mythical gods that other peoples worship. But we can, without even realizing it, serve many other gods; gods such as our cars or homes, our careers or reputations, our ideas and opinions and yes, even Christmas! It is much easier than we think to deceive ourselves into believing that God sits on the throne of our lives, when, we in fact, we have placed ourselves on the throne with all our own ideas, opinions and attitudes.

At this time of the year especially, it is very easy for our hearts and minds to get so focused on the materialistic side of the season that the whole reason for Christmas gets lost in the compulsive need to gratify the flesh; whether it be in wanting to outdo everyone else with the gifts we give, or simply overindulging. In fact many of us become so stressed with all the preparations involved over the Christmas season that all our joy is lost.

So the question we need to ask ourselves is, do we serve the God of Christmas or has Christmas itself become a god in our lives? Do we worship and celebrate the saviour of the world during this time, or do we worship the season itself with all its pretty lights and celebrations, forgetting the whole purpose of the celebration.

Let’s make a decision this year not to allow the materialistic side of Christmas to overwhelm us, but to remain focused on our Lord and Saviour, not being concerned about the giving of gifts or the size of the turkey. Many people get into terrible debt at this time of year over these ancient customs. In Christ we are free from such things; yes it is lovely to exchange gifts but remember, the best gift we can give this Christmas is the loving touch of Jesus. However, more often than not many of us get into strife during this time, over things as silly as what colour scheme or theme we want; our ideas and opinions taking on godlike proportions, with all love and goodwill ‘flying out the window’ in our need to, ‘do it our way’!

So let’s keep doing it Gods way, knowing that as we acknowledge Him in all things first, He will direct our paths through this season, and we will be His living gifts to all those around us, His love and glory overflowing from us.

Celebrate Jesus! He is our way, our truth and our life and He is our best gift!

Have a Christ like Monday

Much love

B +C

Further scripture reading – John 3:16

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