For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

November 27, 2007
Dear Church:
Isaiah’s 2700-year-old messianic prophecy is especially stirring during the Christmas season. In a society where “political correctness” has now given way in many cases to outright hostility against the place of Christ in Christmas, it behooves us to keep the Lord Jesus front and center in our families and our thinking during this time. Without the miracle of the Incarnation – God manifesting Himself in human flesh for the purpose of accomplishing our salvation – there is truly no Christmas. Thank God for His love!

Furthermore, despite the financial, family, travel, and other pressures that we may put upon ourselves during the Christmas season, it is important to remember that God declared this Christ we are celebrating to be our wonderful counselor and provider of peace. Let us allow the peace of God to rule and reign in our hearts as blessed saints during this blessed time of year!

I have found that the busyness of the Christmas season can be both a joy and a distraction in my walk with God. If you are like me in this regard, let us make a concerted effort not to neglect the most important things in life simply because we are busy with “seasonal stuff.” Right relationships with God and people are far more important than finding the best deal on a toy or a gadget. Happiness in Christian living, families, and friendships take priority over making better cookies or tamales than your relative or your co-worker… and even more important than Bowl Games (Go Buckeyes)! T’is the season to enjoy the trappings without being distracted from the truly valuable.

Christmas provides us with yet another opportunity to identify ourselves as separate from a morally confused world. I want to catch myself and repent at any point where I think or say, “I’ll fix this or improve that once I just get through the holidays.” I don’t want Christmas and New Year’s to be “something I have to get through” but enjoyable times, especially in all things spiritual. I want my focus to be even sharper on Christ rather than blurred by busyness since Christmas is a season that is supposed to be about Him in the first place! I want to hit the ground running with health, strength, and vitality – spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially once we turn the calendar to 2008. For those with similar desires, I encourage you as we endeavor in our countercultural climb!

For all who are part of the Life Christian Center family, I wish you a happy, healthy, safe, and blessed Christmas season!

—
Pastor Max Manley