A Christmas thought

A Christmas thought

Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” 
              John10:10.
I listened to the news today. They were commenting on how the malls are crowded. How people are stressed out with Christmas shopping. As they were talking about it I was reminded that according to the experts depression becomes more prevalent and suicided rise at Christmas time. All because many in our  society expect us to buy just the right thing and spend just the right amount of money or we risk becoming stigmatized a cheap.
I know people that have low incomes or are on a fixed income tend to worry about if they’re going to be able to afford even just a small toy for their children.
There is nothing wrong with giving gifts. It shows the receiver that you care. But Christmas shouldn’t be so stressing that it makes people depressed or want to commit suicide.
As a Christians we in our family do give gifts. But the holiday is more than that to us. It is about the most important person in our lives, Jesus Christ the one and Only Son of God.
It has deep meaning for us.
Christmas is a time when we can stop even if it’s just briefly and thank God for all he’s done for us.
A time to relax and be together with family, friends and others.
God or for that matter the early church fathers never intended to make Christmas a stressful time. It was to be a celebration of the birth of the most important person in history.
What Jesus said about himself is true,
“... I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Life with Jesus for me has been interesting. It has also been very fulfilling. I have met and worked with a lot of people. From the homeless, to drug addicts, to millionaires.
I have heard a millionaire with all his wealth say he still feels empty inside. The same emptiness the drug addict and the homeless man has. An emptiness I know Jesus can fill.
I am fond of quoting the words of Jesus,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
                                                    Matthew 11:28-30.
A life truly given over to Jesus will have twists and turns. At times there will even be troubles but it will never be empty. There will alway be hope.
This Christmas season I would encourage you the reader to go to church. To listen to the message. To ask questions of the pastor.
If you do feel an emptiness in your soul turn to read at least the New Testament with an open mind and see what Jesus has for you.
Think about it.