Merry Christmas

God Loves You

Merry Christmas!!!

This Christmas I just wanted to give y’all a, fairly, short post as you are celebrating Christ’s birth. I’ve seen a few posts where people talk about how they don’t celebrate Christmas anymore, which is up to them, I’m not going to try to dissuade anyone from that. But regardless, of how you celebrate, or don’t, at this time of year, I wanted to share a little story that I hope will be encouraging.

Back some years ago, when I was about 11, I really had a rough time following God. At that point I hadn’t professed faith, but I lived in a Christain home and went to church every week. But nothing really ever clicked, I prayed to God, but it all just felt like a ritual. One night I was so fed up with how everything was that I said to God, “I don’t want you around, I can live without you, go away.” I woke up the next morning kinda grumpy, but not feeling too bad. The day started out ok, but things quickly began to go south. I was yelling, I felt alone, and I didn’t know what was going on. Later, towards evening, I remembered what I had said to God last night, I was shocked. Things started falling into place. God had said, “okay, you want me to leave you alone? You think you can do this without me? Here you go, I’ll leave you alone.” So he did. And I felt awful, I still can’t put it to words, it was the worst feeling ever. I have had bad days since then, but none came close to that day. That night I prayed to God, I told him that I couldn’t do anything without him, I was sorry I had told him to go away, and I wanted him to come back so much. Guess what…

Before I had even finished saying the words he entered me and comforted me.

Years later I’m remembering this story because of a book I read recently. It’s called Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer. In it he said:

“Jesus did not beg or manipulate or bully. Coercion is not a fruit of the Spirit. He didn’t strong-arm or offer a sales pitch; he just invited. And when people balked or made excuses… He let them walk away.” ( 209 "Comer)

I knew it was true. He had wanted me, I rejected him and so he let me walk away, but when I was ready, he was there for me.

I want each of you to take heart in this. Christmas is a joyous season, but it can also be a sad one for some. So regardless of where you are at, remember that Jesus loves you. I know this can be overused, but it’s so true.

“For God so loved the world that he sent his only son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17 ESV

It was almost 2 years later before I professed my faith in Jesus as my Savior. I still have doubts, but through it all Jesus reminds me that he is indeed here and waiting for me. So, with this I wanted to remind you that Jesus is here for you, and is waiting for you, he won’t force himself on you, but he wants you.

While some say that Christmas is worshipping God in a pagan way. I won’t fight with them; it may indeed be. Christmas is my center where I remember that God loves me so so much, and, despite the hardships, is really and truly there for me. It focuses for me the Love of God.

So, as each one of you goes out, remember God Loves You. I don’t know who you are, but you are in my prayers. Whether you read this or not. I pray that God shows his light to you this season and in the seasons upcoming.

Blessings and good wishes to all.

Merry Christmas

Ken

Additional Note: We will not have a post next week, other than a possible one for the writing contest, as family time is a priority. We will go back to our regular schedule on January 6th.

Works Cited:

Comer, Mark John. “Practicing the Way.” 16 Jan. 2024, pp 209.

English Standard Version Bible. John 3:16-17.