‘Tis the Season

Oh December! A season to be jolly. ’tis comes from ‘it is’, and is a form of very old English. In the song, ’tis the season to be jolly’ means ‘everyone should be happy at Christmas time’. Other holiday songs mention that it is the most wonderful time of the year.

I was reading the book of Ephesians today and thought how similar it was to the holiday season. Many people look forward to the holidays with anticipation of family gatherings, gift giving and the promise of what the first Christmas gave us, a Savior.

The book of Ephesians reminds us of the Love that God has for us and His plan to send Christ to provide a way for us to be with Him again. He has blessed us with a family of believers and explained how we can live in unity with each other.

God has gifted each and everyone of us with the talents and abilities that we will need to fulfill our purpose and that will help us love and serve each other.

God has shown us by example how to live out a life of serving and loving others. His love for us was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us.

The challenge is to love like that. Whether that person is a spouse, child, employer or employee or anyone else. And to do it all with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that we are really serving God.

The book of Ephesians mentions that a mystery has been revealed and that mystery is that salvation is available to everyone! No matter who you are or where you’ve been, a relationship with Christ and freedom from a life of sin has been given to you if you choose to accept the gift.

In that relationship God has also provided a way for us to live out the new life that He offers us in Christ. It is through His Word and His Holy Spirit. God is strong and He wants us to be strong too. He has provided all we will ever need to be prepared when we are up against more that we can handle on our own.

We can be protected with His armor and ward off the attacks of the enemy with His word. He will also give us the words to say and the courage to speak them at the right time, giving us the opportunity to share the message to one and all.

As we prepare for Christmas this year, I pray that we will remember what real joy is about. It’s about Christ! Celebrating the love He has for us and life we have in Him.

Whether you are gathering with family and friends or if you are on your own, remember that you are not alone. You have an open invitation to be a part of the family of believers. God created you with immense value and you matter! You have purpose! You have a hope and a future in Christ!

Now that is reason to celebrate and be joyful. And anytime that someone chooses to accept Christ, no matter what time of year it is, makes it the most wonderful time of the year.

My Prayer

Father, thank you for this wonderful time of year where Christ is center. Your love for us is more than we can imagine and I’m grateful for the reminder as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior. I pray that this season will bring joy to many as they choose to accept Your precious gift. Give us the boldness, the words and the opportunities to share You with others and to celebrate the joy of their new life in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

The Book of Ephesians