Some people accuse me of being a Humbug around Christmas time. It is not that I like Christmas. I just think that people get too rapped up in the commercial side of Christmas. Instead of thinking about the real meaning of Christmas (Jesus) I think that people put too much thought in what to buy their Uncle Henry. Like Henry is going to remember where he got the ugly tie that you gave him three years from know. I think that we need to remind ourselves more every Christmas of what it is really about. As my Mom use to say when I was a kid, “Jesus is the reason for the Season!” Not your new Ipod or XBOX 360.
So with that said I am currently reading through the gospels. I thought it would be a great way for myself not to get wrapped up in all of the hoopla of this special time of year.
Here is a passage from Matthew 5 from the Message. The sermon on the sermon on the mount. Reading this version really captures that Christ is telling us that we are blessed. Blessed more than we could never know. And blessed because he came, lived, and died for us. Now that is Christmas.
Matthew 5 You're Blessed
1When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down 2and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: 3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. 4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. 5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. 6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. 7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being "careful,' you find yourselves cared for. 8"You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. 9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. 10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. 11"Not only that--count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. 12You can be glad when that happens--give a cheer, even!-for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
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