November 30, 2005
Subject: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
John 16:33 - "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
"It's the most wonderful time of the year.
With the kids jingle belling,
and everyone telling you,
"Be of good cheer,"
It's the most wonderful time of the year."
Okay so it's not all true, but what makes this time of year so wonderful? Is it the great shopping that we can partake of? Is it the television or radio specials playing great Christmas music? Of course we'll soon be tired of hearing Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer. Perhaps it could be good ole St. Nick himself that gets us excited. Or just maybe this is the "most wonderful time of year" because people think a little differently. I agree with the later assessment of "the most wonderful time of year." But why do people think differently at this time of year? I think that for just a little while, most people are attempting to see what this "be of good cheer" attitude entails. I think it's God's way of giving a secular society a different world-view. Remember He brought up the "be of good cheer" line.
The most wonderful time of the year isn't about the stuff that's going on. It's about what's happening inside of us. We're trying to be a little more loving, a little more patient, a little more peaceful with others. Strange that all of those things happen to be part of the fruit of the Spirit. Is that strange or is it a view of what God can do with evil men and women's hearts when they submit to Him?
For us it's Christmas every day because every day we focus on the fact that Jesus was born and born for each one of us. Therefore, we can indeed be of good cheer because He has overcome anything we will face in this life. It's a personal victory for all of us and that's why it's the most wonderful time of the year. We should all be thankful.
Carlen
