Red Wednesday's Wisdom - Christmas Reflection

Over the next two weeks I will be taking time off from writing the blog.  I want to give full attention to enjoying and loving on my family as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child and the hope that He gives us as we enter a New Year.  Upon my return, I will introduce you to CHG # 7.

As we adorn our homes with all the majesty and lighting of the Christmas season, I am reminded more than ever of how much we need to honor and receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  I say this especially in light of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre that took place this past Friday, where the lives of 20 precious elementary children and 6 adults were taken in Newtown, Connecticut.  What an example of the darkness and evil that constantly surrounds us and influences us, something we talked about in last Wednesday’s posting. The evil one is real, and he is known as the thief.  John 10:10 tells us that the thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy, but God’s purpose is to give a rich and satisfying life.  Last Friday, December 14, 2012, the thief came without warning and he made his way into a quaint hometown school.  The killer’s only intent was to steal, murder, and destroy.  Obviously, this killer did not know the rich and satisfying life that comes from personally knowing the Christ child, whose only purpose was to die and rise again so we could be saved from the evil one. 

I appreciate the reflection that comes from Grace Communion International and the commentary on John 10:10.  “Jesus' main purpose was the salvation (health) of the sheep, which he defined as free access to pasture and fullness of life. Under his protection and by his gift they can experience the best that life can offer. In the context of John's emphasis on eternal life, this statement takes on new significance. Jesus can give a whole new meaning to living because he provides full satisfaction and perfect guidance.”

We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ because He is the only One who takes away the clutter of our sinful way of living.  This Christmas, I pray that we make a pathway for Him to enter into our hearts so we learn to love more and fight less.