My Take

WHAT TRULY MATTERS AT CHRISTMAS Isaiah is the prophet who declares so much about the coming of Christ. We especially cherish Isaiah 7:14 , which tells us that a virgin will conceive and give birth to a son who will be called   Immanuel —“ God with us .” This is why the birth of Christ matters so deeply: God became man so that He might die on the cross and save us from our sin. For this, we are extremely thankful. During this Christmas season, let us not forget what it is truly about. God calls us to trust in Him as our Lord and Savior , and then to live   by   Him and   for   Him. He is not seeking another festival or hollow holiday tradition. Scripture reminds us that God is not impressed by our rituals of burning candles on Christmas Eve , it means nothing to Him. In Isaiah 1:10–18 , He tells Israel that He is weary of their religious observances and offerings because their hearts were far from Him. The same can be said of much of Christmas in America ...

Twice the chapter of 2 Corinthians 4 mentions to us to “FAINT NOT” – mentioning it in verse 1 and near the end in verse 17.  It is interesting because verse 1 talks about the ministry we have received of the Lord and the latter reminds us of the glory that is to come of a life well lived for God.   Weariness comes as a result of our working in and focusing on the flesh and the temporal things that accompany that life.  Often ministry is performed this way.  Ministry needs to focused on the TRUTH of God’s Word and dependent on that along with the power of God coupled with a holy walk with God. Today’s ministry often depends on dishonesty; craftiness and using God’s Word deceitfully or manipulatively.  Rather we need to trust God and speak the truth in love.  Let’s depend on God’s power to do God’s work, not our own.  We don’t need to faint.  Let’s go, give, pray, and live a the life wants us to live as we share the Word with others lovingly and in ...