The Reason for the Season

So I have a confession....  I struggle with the consumerism of Christmas.  I break out into a sweat when I think about how many gifts I have not bought yet and how little time I have left.  I worry that I am not going to get everything done and I take my eyes off of Christ.  I forget that my Savior was born.  I forget that His life, death, and resurrection is what I trust my life in.  My prayer this Christmas is that I would not forget or minimize the story of Christmas.  That I would not get so busy that I forget to thank my Lord who gave His life that I may live.  I pray the same for you! 

Luke 2: 1-20
"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register. ⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. ⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” ¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  ¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

In attempting to focus my heart on Christ, I am also trying to focus my heart on His people and how I can be the tangible hands and feet of Christ.  Below are a couple of videos/opportunities that have challenged me.  I hope you will take the time to watch them.  I pray that they spur you on to action and encourage you as they have encouraged me! 

Advent Conspiracy

[AC] Promo 2011 from Advent Conspiracy on Vimeo.



Watermark Conspiracy
What if Christmas wasn’t just about GETTING?

What if we gave – generously? What if we actually gave entire HOUSES to people who need them, both here (in Dallas) and there (in Haiti)? If we all work together, you might just call it a conspiracy...

Mission of Hope is transforming a hurting nation - including through homes:

MOH Visual Summary from Lespwa Means Hope on Vimeo.


Merry Christmas!  Christ loves you and died for you!