I started on a journey the day after Thanksgiving of writing a post about Christmas each day. I was joined by two cohorts in crime: Sele and Ed. 🙂 I want to thank them for joining me. This will be my final post (I think) in that journey. Of course, you know how preachers are: when they say “In Conclusion” that means they are only getting started. I have tried hard in my preaching to never allow that to be said of me. 😉 I think I have succeeded in that. And at this point, I am thinking this will be my last post for this Christmas season. If so, I ought to make it a good one. I don’t know if I can pull that one off, but I can leave you with some thoughts.
First, Jesus is NOT the “Reason for the Season.” I know, I know. I can hear the protests now. It is a pet peeve of mine to be honest. In fact, I cringe whenever I hear or see that. Jesus is not the reason for the season. We are. He is the Meaning of the Season. (If someone markets that I want dibs). Seriously, He came to earth as a baby for us. We needed a way out of the hole we were in (sin) and the only way it could be accomplished was not by a lamb, but by THE Lamb. Like the old classic by David Meece that is usually sung at Easter time: “We are the reason that He gave His life/ We are the reason He suffered and died.” That makes iT doubly clear that we are the reason He came-the reason for this season. So enjoy this Christmas season but keep in mind that it all happened because of us…and the love of the Father toward us.
Second, have a Christmas celebration filled with good things: good friends, good food, and good memories. In all of your celebrating, remember the Christ who came. Celebrate Him.
I pray that you and those you love will have a time of celebration filled with life, laughter, and love. Thanks to all of you who read my blog and take the time to comment. Thanks to you who “lurk.” I deeply appreciate your presence here at Cycleguy’s Spin.
I leave you with what is probably my favorite Christmas song of all. This is one of many versions, it is probably my favorite. Enjoy.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU
FROM BILL AT CYCLEGUY’S SPIN
I will be back some time after Christmas. My two daughters, grandson and sister-in-law are all visiting so I am not sure about posting. Then again, I may want some sanity and find myself drawn to my office. 🙂
Thanks brother for all the Christmas post…Merry Christmas…
Thanks Betty. Merry Christmas to you and Ace and your family.
Merry Christmas to you too Bill. I have enjoyed our year “together”. Looking forward to exchanging ideas with you next year.
Merry Christmas to you also Daniel. I too have enjoyed the exchange of ideas. Give your daughter a little extra hug tomorrow.
Merry Christmas, Bill. I hope you have a great one!!!
Merry Christmas to you also Larry. Hope you and your family have a great celebration.
Thank you, Bill, and a Merry Christmas to you. Thank you for your thoughts on the Reason for the Season – that has long annoyed me, but I did not know why. I’m going to post a link to this post on my FB page. Blessings beyond counting for you and your family.
Well thank you Susan. I am honored that you would post this on your fb page. Praying you and your family have a terrific Christmas celebration.
Good job on the posts. Yeah, I love that song too. Enjoy the blessings from God of family and the wisdom to grasp even slightly the good will of our Father. Merry Christmas.
Thanks for your kind words Floyd. Thanks for your blessing as well. Praying for you as you celebrate the Savior’s birth
sanity no- but quiet yes 🙂
I think both will be rare & hard to find
Even if the modern-day Christmas consumerism is abomination, there is still plenty of good in the time of year. Call it anything you want, but anything that tries to bring families together, promote a little cheer, and get our eyes of ourselves is a good things.
Merry Christmas Bill. You are a good pastor, a great writer and a genuine man of God.
I agree with you David. Not everything is bad. I’d like to see us embrace more of the good. Thanks so much for your kind words. I consider them quite an honor coming from you as a writer.
Amen Bill! Merry Christmas to you and may you have a blessed time with your family.
Wow Adam! It is so good to hear from you! Merry Christmas to you & your family. Hope the new home is working out well for you.
All of your posts have been wonderful! This is my favorite month of your blogs 🙂 Enjoy your family! I’m so glad you will all be together. Thanks for always giving me the encouragement I need somedays.
I am thrilled they are here as well Jan. This will be an interesting week to say the least. 🙂
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you too Jeff. thanks for hanging in there with me.
Merry Christmas Bill!
–@terracecrawford
I love that about Jesus being the meaning for the season and we being the reason. 🙂 You are so wise! Thank you for blessing us along to Christmas. I really appreciated the posts! God bless you and your family, Pastor Bill!
Hope you had a Merry Christmas. I’m just catching up on my blog reading now 🙂
I had never really thought of the difference between the meaning of the season and the reason for the season, but that’s pretty insightful.