Daily Stop & Thinks

Living It Out

The dignity of the human person consists in the ability to know the truth and to live it.  (Chuck Colson, Christian author)

Just two days ago, we celebrated Christmas. For many Americans, it was a day of fun and joy as we shared gifts and meals with family and friends. Most important was the significance of the holiday—the coming of God himself into this world in human flesh. Knowing and living that truth through a personal faith relationship with Jesus is the essence of true life.

The Word (Jesus) became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14). When the time had fully come, God sent his Son … to redeem those under law (Galatians 4:4-5). 

The Day After

The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek ways to make life better for those around us. (Terri Marshall, writer)

Christmas is over, but the holiday season continues. Many people are already excited about their upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration. Before you move on too quickly, stop to consider Marshall’s comment. If Christmas means anything to us, we should reflect a bit longer on its peace and joy, and try to share it for the good of those in “our world.”

[Those who love the Lord] share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor (Psalm 112:9).

Christmas

The mystery of Christ, that He sunk Himself into our flesh, is beyond all human understanding. (Martin Luther, “Father” of the Protestant Reformation)

Because we are unable to understand all that God has done or why, God revealed it in His Word. The Bible uses the word “mystery” to remind us that God has chosen to reveal to us what we could not have known apart from His revelation. The mystery of Christmas is that God came in human flesh to offer us a relationship with Him through personal faith in Jesus.

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son (John 1:14).

Christmas Eve

Even as an adult, I still find it hard to sleep on Christmas eve. (Carrie Latet, writer)

In Clement Moore’s “The Night Before Christmas,” the children are pictured as “nestled all snug in their beds.” Really? Most children can’t sleep the night before Christmas, and some may have even unwrapped and rewrapped a gift or two before the family gets up. No matter the scenario at your house, be sure to spend time remembering God’s gift, Jesus, this Christmas.

When the time had fully come, God sent his Son…to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons (Galatians 4:4-5).

God with Us

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style. In the air, there’s a feeling of Christmas. (Cay Evans, author)

Evans was quoting the popular Christmas song, Silver Bells. Classic Christmas movies and endless Hallmark Christmas shows are truly idyllic. Even small towns have tree lighting ceremonies and there really is a different feeling almost everywhere. No one wants to do away with these traditions, but we must not forget the reason for them:  the birth of the Messiah.

[Mary] will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Peace on Earth

Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day. (Helen Steiner Rice, late writer and poet)

At the birth of Jesus, the angels praised God and said, “Glory to God . . . and on earth peace.” At the triumphal entry, Jesus was greeted with similar words: “Peace in  heaven and glory in the highest!” Three times after his resurrection Jesus greeted his disciples with “Peace be with you.” In a world that lacks peace you can be a “person of peace” by living out the Christmas message.

Jesus: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give (John 14:27).

Christmas Week Begins

Worship makes thanksgiving possible (Anna Mow, former missionary).

Just a month ago we set apart a special day to express our thanksgiving for God’s good gifts. Now, we’re approaching that special day when we celebrate God’s greatest gift: his son Jesus. Let’s begin Christmas week by worshipping the God who gave us the gift of eternal life through Jesus.

 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:17).

Significance

Living a meaningful life consists simply in embracing the responsibilities and work given to us, whatever they are. (Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship)

This sounds like a good formula for a life of lasting meaning. Such a person is an example that influences others to work hard, prosper, and leave a significant legacy. In spite of such a lofty ambition, many become short-sighted and live only for themselves. To have a loving and helpful life, as Colson suggests, one must work responsibly and faithfully.

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done . . . For we are each responsible for our own conduct (Galatians 6:4-5).

Expectations

If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome. (Michael Jordan, former professional basketball player)

Some children were told they couldn’t expect to achieve much when they grew up. They were never encouraged to believe that they could do better in the future. Others thrived as adults because positive direction and hope were instilled in them while they were young. Wherever you are today, don’t listen to negative comments. Determine to do better than expected.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

One Week to Christmas

The way you spend Christmas is far more important than how much. (Henry David Thoreau, 19th century American philosopher)

Have you finished your holiday shopping? Is there anything left in your Christmas budget? Giving is a means of sharing love and caring for others. But Thoreau’s statement is challenging. More important than spending money and time for gift-giving is spending time in serious reflection on the meaning of Christmas and our relationship with Jesus whose birth we celebrate.

For God…made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Real Life Challenges

The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself–the invisible battles inside all of us–that’s where it’s at. (Jesse Owens, late gold medal Olympic runner)

Owens understood this premise As an African American competing in Nazi Germany, he fought racial discrimination just to compete and won his gold medals against all odds. The years of physical training, combined with the invisible battles he endured, prepared him to be a winner. His example helps us gain a better perspective on life as we realize hard times are for our good.

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control (1 Peter 1:13).

Practice

Champions keep playing until they get it right. (Billie Jean King, former world #1 tennis player)

King “got it right.” This is good advice for anyone who wants to excel in sports or any other worthy endeavor. While she recommends lots of practice at your desired skill, you’ll note she did not say, “Practice makes perfect.” Why not? Because practice makes permanent. It’s the right kind of practice that can lead to a championship.

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice (Luke 11:28).