December 3, 2012

What’s at the Heart of Your Christmas?

  

This week’s WOW Weekly Moment was written by my mother, Eloise Fleming. Enjoy!
Jacqueline Heider
Women’s Ministry
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Often during the Christmas season we start the celebration and have a tendency to leave the Good News of Great Joy – Jesus and Emmanuel, God with us – out of the details of our celebration.  Many times we focus on the “what” of Christmas rather than the “who.”
As I was reading, there were five truths that stood out to me in this very familiar story. I’d like to share them with you. Think about these and ponder them in your heart as we begin this Christmas season.
  1. We have good news of great joy! We actually have THE Good News, Jesus, and His life should cause us to live with joy in our hearts all year long. (1 Peter 1:8)
  2. Jesus was born for all people. Jesus didn’t come for a select few. He came so that all may know Him. (John 3:16)
  3. Jesus’ birth was and still is a praiseworthy event. Until His return, Jesus will be the most magnificent gift we will ever receive. ( Isaiah 9:6)
  4. We are to spread the Good News. Because we know Jesus, we should tell others of His birth and life so they can know personally the Savior of the world. (Matthew 28:19)
  5. The birth of Jesus is to be treasured in our hearts. (Matthew 6:19-21)
So, I ask you again … 
What’s at the heart of your Christmas?
Do you get so caught up in the event that you leave out the reason for the season?
What will you do this year to insure Jesus remains at the center of your Christmas?
Below are some “Heart Warmers” that I hope will get you started on your journey to a Jesus-filled Christmas.
  • Revisit the Christmas story and marvel at the gift of Jesus, a gift of sacrifice and love every day.
  • Share the story of Christmas with a child and color pictures with them explaining the real meaning of Christmas.
  • Reach out to ALL people and share the gift of Jesus this Christmas season.
  • Sing praise songs as a way of focusing your heart on what Christ has done in your life.
  • Read about God’s promise to Mary in Luke 1:45-55 and treasure these in your heart thinking about them often.
Ultimately, we all yearn for this Good News of Great Joy.  We long to feel God’s presence in our hearts. This year may we celebrate Jesus from the manger to the cross and thank Him for being at the heart of our Christmas!
With blessings,
Eloise Fleming

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