by Pastor Bong Gonzales
Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born,to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peacethere will be no end.He will reign on David's throneand over his kingdom,establishing and upholding itwith justice and righteousnessfrom that time on and forever.The zeal of the Lord Almightywill accomplish this. NIV
One of the most common act on this Christmas season is giving.
This morning our three children asked my beloved wife if the gift for their classmates are already prepared for tomorrow's Christmas party in their schools. One of them gave an amount that is seemingly expensive than others, and he said "because the recipient is special to me and I want to be a real Santa".
As I heard this I started to recollect and remember the idea of being a santa. According to tradition "Santa Claus" was rich man with a name of "Nicholas" who happen to sold all he has and started giving it to the poor people which are many in his time. After this his benevolent act reached the other side of the town and started sending him their donations so that he can distribute it to others. He was then, venerated to saintly status and his act became part of the Christmas seasons, where parents started to tell their children that Santa will come and give them gifts as they do good deeds. So today, it became a model for giving, especially in this Christmas season.
But what is be the greatest gift that we have received that makes this Season a reason to celebrate? Giving kind and even expensive gifts are so noble and even a good spirit not only this season but all year round.
Any how, if Christmas is only to give gifts like this, we might loose the true meaning of Christmas which is centered to the one (The Son) given to us!
He is the reason for this Season! Jesus Christ the begotten of God. If we have recieved Him, then Christmas is a reality to us. But how about the many, whose only reason for the season is finding "Santa" and being a "Santa". Let us give the greatest gift to someone special to us. Let's give them "The Son" who should govern our lives to make it a true merry to live by.
May we being a Christians, together with our gifts in reference to santa should become a messenger of the Son who was given to everyone and to bless those who will believe in Him.
Let's just set aside the argument of the existence of santa, but rather let us use this time to give the one who is given; The Son of God in whom we shall be saved!
As we observe around many are just trying to make this season in the Spirit of Christmas, which is giving and loving, all in which Jesus Christ came!!!
We don't need to have a lot of money to be able to give; Give what's in your heart, your joy, your peace, your forgiveness, your service or a prayer! Why not? Prayer moves mountain, it brings us this miracle, as people of old, prayed for the coming of the Savior and He did come!
Let us start to give the true Christmas gift which is all centered in Christ Jesus!
God bless and Merry Christmas and have an Overflowing Blessed New Year!!!
Till next time!
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Today's Devotion-A Chosen Vessel
by Pastor Bong Gonzales
Luke 1:38
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. NIV
One of the unusual event in the advent of the Messiah is the way he was born. We all know that He was born to a virgin whose name was "Mary". Without her willingness to be a vessel for the fulfillment of the coming of the Savior, we might still be grasping in the dark and still looking for him.
But was the vessel just randomly chosen? A question that can be answered by the word of God itself. If we will read the whole context of the verse in this devotion note, we will find that the greeting of Angel Gabriel includes the "you are highly favored"! Therefore, blessed Mary was chosen after a series of selection and even of timing! Though it does not imply that she is sinless but rather "Favored". A word that is defined as unmerited and just at the disposition of the one giving it.
This celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ is in our midst today because there are vessels who were willing to be used by God even to the price of discomfort, rejection, misconceptions and even death. God is still looking for vessel whom He can choose for His own plans and purposes. In many generations, in our history we can see that many vessels have already done their part. In this season, may we be found by Him ready to fulfill His plans. Mary said, "May it be unto me as you have said." In other translation is goes this way: "Be it unto me according to your word"!!!No complain, no need for explanation, just a simple obedience that resulted in the salvation of many! Most of the time, there will be many unexplained things that happens in our lives, some are painful, some are good, life giving and others taking lives but are good to remember, others are not be be remembered or even told to others. But no matter where we are coming from, in this life we have a calling to fulfill! And only Him who has the disposition to choose will choose His vessel!
That's why the challenge is not in doing many things, or even achieving more than others, but knowing and doing what is required of us by our Maker! When that time comes and it will come, may we be found ready to respond "Be it unto me according to your word'! He choose His vessel. He cleans His vessel. He test and try His vessel. He equip His vessel.
He trusts His vessel. He accompanies His vessel. He protects His vessel. He comforts is vessel. He rewards His vessel!
Are you ready to be found in Him with favor?
May we always thank God for sending His Son to make us His children! May we be a vessel of His Son to make others His children too!
Till next time and have a Blessed Christmas Season!!!
Luke 1:38
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. NIV
One of the unusual event in the advent of the Messiah is the way he was born. We all know that He was born to a virgin whose name was "Mary". Without her willingness to be a vessel for the fulfillment of the coming of the Savior, we might still be grasping in the dark and still looking for him.
But was the vessel just randomly chosen? A question that can be answered by the word of God itself. If we will read the whole context of the verse in this devotion note, we will find that the greeting of Angel Gabriel includes the "you are highly favored"! Therefore, blessed Mary was chosen after a series of selection and even of timing! Though it does not imply that she is sinless but rather "Favored". A word that is defined as unmerited and just at the disposition of the one giving it.
This celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ is in our midst today because there are vessels who were willing to be used by God even to the price of discomfort, rejection, misconceptions and even death. God is still looking for vessel whom He can choose for His own plans and purposes. In many generations, in our history we can see that many vessels have already done their part. In this season, may we be found by Him ready to fulfill His plans. Mary said, "May it be unto me as you have said." In other translation is goes this way: "Be it unto me according to your word"!!!No complain, no need for explanation, just a simple obedience that resulted in the salvation of many! Most of the time, there will be many unexplained things that happens in our lives, some are painful, some are good, life giving and others taking lives but are good to remember, others are not be be remembered or even told to others. But no matter where we are coming from, in this life we have a calling to fulfill! And only Him who has the disposition to choose will choose His vessel!
That's why the challenge is not in doing many things, or even achieving more than others, but knowing and doing what is required of us by our Maker! When that time comes and it will come, may we be found ready to respond "Be it unto me according to your word'! He choose His vessel. He cleans His vessel. He test and try His vessel. He equip His vessel.
He trusts His vessel. He accompanies His vessel. He protects His vessel. He comforts is vessel. He rewards His vessel!
Are you ready to be found in Him with favor?
May we always thank God for sending His Son to make us His children! May we be a vessel of His Son to make others His children too!
Till next time and have a Blessed Christmas Season!!!
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