IS JESUS THE REASON?

 

One of the often seen quotes at this time of the year is, "Jesus is the reason for the season." Of course that is in reference to the coming Christmas Holiday. I realize that for a lot of folks that is a very true statement. The question is, should it be that way?

 

What makes the month of December any more holy or inspiring than any other time of the year. Samuel Johnson wrote this about this season: "(We as a people or) the Church does not superstitiously observe days, merely as days, but as memorials of important facts (or events). Christmas might be kept as well upon one day of the year as another; but (I feel) there should be a stated day for commemorating the birth of our Saviour, because there is danger that what may be done on any day, will be neglected."

 

Are we in danger of neglecting remembering the day of the birth of Jesus? Well, in all honesty you have to admit that the church we read about in the bible never celebrated that day. Was it a momentous occasion? Absolutely! It received a detailed description of the day in the gospels. The problem as I see it is not the keeping of Christmas, but remembering Jesus every day.

 

Our daughter-in-law Mylinda shared these words of wisdom from our adorable 4 year old grand daughter Allison: One morning Allison told her mom: "Jesus lives in your heart. That's where I keep MY Jesus, in my heart, all day long!"

 

You see, too some Jesus is the reason for this particular season; yet those with more insight realize that Jesus is the reason for EVERY season. My prayer is that like that 4 year old little girl; I can keep Jesus in MY heart all day long. Not just this season or this month or on the 25^th of December, but every day.

 

From now on, whenever I hear the phrase, "Jesus is the reason for the season," I'm going to try to respond, "No, Jesus is the reason for every season, "because I have him right here in my heart all day long.

 

Russ Lawson, Messages From The Heart

 

When you're an Old Coot

WHEN  YOU'RE AN OLD COOT  

I've been rereading a book that about a year ago my daughter-in-law and son gave to me. Looking back on it I figure they are making a statement about me, and they may not be far off the mark. The title of the book is, "When I'm on old coot, witticisms for people who refuse to grow old gracefully." I got to thinking about that and thought I'd do a little research. Just in case you are not familiar with the word, "coot," it is defined in this way: "a harmless simple minded person," Used in this way, "Don't mind him, he's just a crazy old coot." (Webster's Dictionary)

Humm, makes me begin to rethink the nature of the gift? No, really, I know it was just a gift that was given in fun, I think! Actually, I know why they thought of me with a book with this title. It is because I don't usually make the expected decisions or the do the things that "folks of my age," are normally expected to do. I know that more than one person has thought my decision may at the least be questionable (by accepted, safe, comfortable standards).

I also got to thinking about the word, "gracefully." It is defined as: "pleasing or attractive in line, proportion, movements or actions." Humm, again not me! I don't fit into any of those categories.

So, let me see if I understand this: I'm an old crazy person who is not always pleasing or attractive in my actions. Probably a few of you can identify with me in these things (or not). The truth is, I don't mind being different (if you hadn't guessed), but especially I don't mind being different from the world, seen as crazy, don't fit in, not pleasing or acceptable in my attitudes or actions to the worlds views. If fact, that is even biblical!

Take a look at what Peter wrote to Christians in 1 Peter 4:3-6: "You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy, their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. Of course, your former friends will think you are crazy when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they'll call you a crazy old coot or simple minded. But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead.  That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead, so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit." (Paraphrase by R.L.)

Forgive my taking a few liberties with the scripture, but I believe it contains the thoughts of the original message. As I said I don't mind being different from those around me, when it comes to pleasing God. What about you?

Russ Lawson, Messages From The Heart

In case you are wondering where to get this book for your "special someone," you can find it at www.gibbs-smith.com

Books by Russ Lawson @ http://www.lulu.com/russlawson