In the midst of all of the celebrations, the decorations, the baking and the purchase and exchanging of gifts, it is so easy to forget the REAL reason for this season. We are celebrating a miracle. The miracle of the birth of Christ.
Christ, the Son of God humbled Himself to live on this earth, He died and He rose again!
Because HE lives, we (you and I) shall live also.
One of the very strong statements made by the Son of God (who’s birth we celebrate at this time of the year) is found in John 10:10.
The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy but I am come that you may have life, and life in abundance (my paraphrase of John 10:10).
Are you living this abundant life?
Learning to live in this abundance is not something that happens automatically, even once you have accepted Christ into your life as Lord and Savior. That is just the beginning of your life adventure!
Everyone who has achieved any measure of success in life, was able to achieve it because they trained for success.
Whether it is an athlete, a sportsman or woman or a successful business man or woman, they all have one thing in common. They trained and developed to become the successful person they are today.
A training program that will lead you and I into success in life is often referred to as “self development”.
Self development is not always a popular topic among christians. Perhaps the term “self development” is the problem.
We could easily use the term “renewing of the mind” which is found in Romans 12:2. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” New International Translation of the Bible)
Whether we call it “self development” or “renewing of the mind”, the truth is you and I need to train our minds to be able to truly live the abundant or champion life in Christ.
This training needs to be consistent (daily), disciplined (don’t skip a day) and focused (what are your goals).
As you get involved in the preparations and celebrations of this wonderful season take some time to stop and reflect on the reason for this season.
What does this reason mean to you?
May this great message of Christmas be real in your hearts during this season
and
May you be challenged to take full advantage of that abundant life which is yours in Christ throughout 2010.
Shileen
school grants
Jill
Bruce
