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Why Christmas Isn’t About Peace

As we step into the Christmas season we find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping to fill that space under the tree, making plans to be with our loved ones in the coziness of our homes to enjoy a nice dinner…and we ponder the joys this time of the season brings.

Christmas trees, white Christmas, Santa Claus, nativity scenes and all the symbols one would find on some card we pick out in the card aisle of our favorite store. Then there’s the yearly conflict on what to call the company party; a holiday or Christmas party. Can I say ‘Merry Christmas’ without getting fired? Is it a holiday tree or a Christmas tree? Is Jesus really the season or is it a pagan holiday? Is it a Christian holiday or is everyone included like on the coexist bumper stickers?

…the conflict of Christmas!

So let me ask you something, do you really think that Jesus traded Heaven for Earth to come and bring peace? Let’s see what the Bible tell us.

20 Quotes To Renew Your Patriotism

Every year, Americans celebrate their independence from Great Britain on the Fourth of July. Because of the courage and tenacity of those who fought for victory during the Revolutionary War; we celebrate that monumental moment in US history with barbecues, colorful parades, flag hoisting ceremonies,firework displays, or maybe a day trip to the beach — all a far cry from what our founding fathers would have done.

It was a historic moment in 1776, when the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. From that day forward the 13 colonies, which made up most of the East Coast from Massachusetts to Georgia, were on their way to becoming a sovereign nation and the first states in the United States of America. A movement that would later hail those who sacrificed and fought as true American heroes.

It’s easy to forget why we celebrate Independence Day, so here are some patriotic and inspirational quotes that will make you proud to be an American patriot.

You Won’t Find God’s Gift Under A Tree, In A Manger Or On A Cross

Ever wonder why God would become a man, to be born in such a lowly manner, and let us treat Him the way we did? Ever wonder why Jesus would, while existing “before all things” and holding “first place in everything” (Colossians 1:17,18); would agree to come to earth as a baby, suffer the abuse He suffered, and die such a painful death? If we continue reading in Colossians we read: “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.”

How awesome is that?

This all happened to reconcile us to God. The tough reality is that God makes it very clear, in His word, that He is justifiably angry at humanity’s sin. All of us have sinned — and do so repeatedly. Yet He loves us sinners enough that He gave His own Son to live on earth, die on a cross, and bear sin in His own body, suffering the full weight of God’s wrath — wrath deserved by us all. Jesus paid the penalty to restore peace between God and sinners. It could not have been done any other way.

So Christmas is primarily a celebration of God’s love toward mankind. God never wanted religion (rituals, ceremony, tradition, self-righteousness, law), but an everlasting personal relationship in Truth — with us! Not emotional, time-bound, fashionable hypes, nor “visits” only in churches, but a genuine living commitment to Him. He is after our hearts!

I don’t want you to get lost in the wide scope of it all, so let me sum it up.

Some Thanksgiving Thoughts for You

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

—Psalm 100:4

I really like Thanksgiving, because there is not a lot of pressure to go out and buy things. You have to get food, of course. But apart from that, Thanksgiving is not about shopping. It is more about getting together with family and friends and doing what most people love to do, which is eat.

We can enjoy the food. We can enjoy our family. We can enjoy our fellowship. But the real purpose of Thanksgiving is to give thanks. It is a day to focus on giving thanks.

Of course, that is sometimes easier said than done. It is easy when things are going reasonably well, the bills are paid, we have a roof over our head and our health is good. But when times are hard, we don’t want to give thanks at all. But here is what the Bible says: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever” (Psalm 106:1 NIV).

Looking Back At 2014

The new year has come and it feels like only yesterday that I was writing my 2013 year in review. Wow, where has the year gone? Since my last year in review a lot has happened on Heartstone Journey and in my own life. There is so much I could share, but here are some highlights:

Why Christmas Isn’t About Peace

20 Quotes To Renew Your Patriotism

You Won’t Find God’s Gift Under A Tree, In A Manger Or On A Cross

Some Thanksgiving Thoughts for You

Looking Back At 2014

Favorite Quotes

Cool Scripture

Never Out Of The Fight!

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