December 25, 2020 – Click here to listen
Bernard Manning said, “I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note saying, toys not included.” As we close out 2020, I thought of this quote and it seemed to sum up some people’s feelings for most of the year. 2020 has been mostly one big disappointment, or has it?
Yesterday, Christmas Eve was a beautiful day in the Keys, and I went fishing with a friend and we caught nice grouper and some snapper. Recently I had another buddy criticize me for my love of fishing and all things related to living around the ocean. I told him that it is not as though I’m one dimensional; I love many things in life, but it is very true that I love the sea and fishing and living in a fishing community comprised of people who feel the same as I do about it. I believe Jesus loves it too. Did you know that seven of His twelve disciples were fisherman – Andrew, Simon Peter, James, John, Thomas, Phillip, and Nathaniel. He created the ocean and the creatures in it for our enjoyment and I’m just enjoying it with Him.
I love my God, my family, my friends, and our nation. If I had to choose just one it would be Jesus Christ that I love the most. Not long before he died Billy Graham said: “Remember why Christmas is celebrated and make Christ the center of your life all year.” We celebrate Christmas for one reason: to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago. Not so many people seem to understand that these days, much less dwell upon it all year long.
Is Christ missing from your Christmas this year? Don’t let buying gifts, Covid, financial woes or any other matter steal your Jesus present. Christmas is a feeling, and its message is that we are never alone. Jesus said, “And you know I am with you always; yes, to the end of the world.”
Christmas to me is always about giving not receiving. Jesus set the table for this attitude when He gave the greatest gift of all time, Himself, to all of humanity. I receive joy in giving that is unmatched by any gift that I might receive. I try to discourage loved ones from giving me gifts. Just being around them is gift enough for me.
Bing Crosby once said, “Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all of the snow in Alaska won’t make it white.” Christmas should be about being good to one another which leads to our receiving an inner joy of light and peace.
Yesterday I went to buy fuel for my boat and a very nice lady was ringing me up. I mentioned that it was a shame she had to work on Christmas Eve, and she told me she really needed the money and was just happy to have a job when so many don’t. She explained that she was getting Christmas Day off and was going to rest. I gave her something and told her to enjoy her day off to the hilt. She was happy as could be, but I was even happier watching her smile. It’s not too late to spread some cheer of your own, especially if you listen to Billy Graham, “Remember why Christmas is celebrated and make Christ the center of your life all year.” Be kind to people and get some toys to go with the batteries.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Have a Merry Christmas and a great weekend. Go to church this Sunday as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.