Tag Archives: Celebrate CHRISTmas

A glimpse of Jesus

How was your Christmas? Good? Everything you wanted? Amidst the hustle and bustle that often occurs over the holidays, did you encounter Jesus and find the peace and joy that only he can offer? We did, in the hectic portions of the celebrations and the quiet moments.

One such quiet moment that brought great joy to my heart was seeing the pictures of the children from our mission in Bolivia. Some of you might not know that Go Light Our World (GLOW) is not just a daily inspirational blog but also a 501c3 nonprofit ministry that supports other ministries in the USA and across the globe. Currently, 100% of donations (Select DOnate from upper menu) go directly to the mission field to promote literacy, improved health and nutrition, and opportunities to experience worship and celebrating life together in Jesus’ name. We also sent funds to purchase Christmas gifts for children who would otherwise have few or none.

Josias presentsPresents - gracias 2

Their grateful hearts make the giving all the more enjoyable. But that’s not what struck our heart. giving to others 2

Josias giving to others 4It was seeing the children being taught to give to others out of their poverty. The leaders took the children into the streets where they found children who had even less than they did. And they gave them gifts…and hugs. That is what spoke to my heart and why I am so excited about this little mission in Bolivia.

It reminds me that if we have Jesus in our heart, then others ought to see at least a glimpse of him in our lives. They should see instruments of peace and love and joy. Here is to letting His light shine though us in the simple gestures of our lives. Here’s to celebrating Christmas every day!

Advent – preparing for ‘x’?

Here we are in the beginning of the Advent season where we prepare for and commemorate the arrival of Jesus Christ. Fully God, yet He chose to come to earth as a fragile human baby. It reminds me of a conversation I had with God several decades ago:

God: Bryan I notice you’re getting ready for a holiday. Which is it?
Bryan: Why, it’s Xmas of course.
God: Xmas?
Bryan: Yes, you know, when Christ came to earth as a little human baby.
God: Oh you mean CHRISTmas?
Bryan: Yes, that’s what I said, xmas.
God: Bryan would it be okay if I just called you xguy?
Bryan: Huh? why would you do that?
God: Well, you know, to save time. Adding all those extra letters that represent the miracle of who you are is a real chore, you know.
Bryan: You’re being a bit sarcastic aren’t you?
God: Whatever best gets the point across to you.
Bryan: I get it. When I refer to ‘xmas’ I’m sort of taking a shortcut that depersonalizes the celebration of the real Jesus. But does writing CHRISTmas on my shopping list really make a difference? I mean, it’s not like anyone else will ever see it.
God: Does it cause you to pause a moment and think about the reason for this season of celebration and gift giving?
Bryan: Well, when you put it that way, yes.
God: Merry Christmas, Bryan!
Bryan: Merry, x…I mean Merry Christmas to you too. And God, thank you for this wonderful gift!

Maybe it’s a small thing. But how about we pledge to keep Christ in Christmas this year? In our written greetings, but more importantly, in our thoughts and heart. I’m not suggesting a worldwide campaign. I’m just wondering if we might ban “xmas” from our personal vocabulary. Certainly we have time to write five more letters in the word. Yes, I get the idea that the x might represent the cross, but that is another holiday. Let’s enjoy the advent season as one of anticipation of the arrival of Jesus Christ into our world and into our hearts. And let’s enjoy a very Merry Christmas!

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
John 1:14