(Dec 18th 2011)

Few weeks ago I read an interesting facebook comment. It was about the Christmas season and it said, “…. in our family we are not exchanging Christmas gifts …” This friend and his family had decided  not to exchange Christmas gifts because they wanted to focus more on Jesus Christ himself, the True Gift. It is true that with the busyness of Christmas routines,  Jesus Christ, who is the center of Christmas celebration, can be forgotten. Every action that we make and every gesture that we give impacts our lives and others. And it is my desire for all of us to make a lasting impact that will create a healthy and sound culture of celebration, even as we prepare for Christmas.

As Christians we need to be mindful of what kind of legacy we are leaving and how we are shaping and molding our surrounding with our life expression. When God spoke to Joshua to prepare his people to take the promise land, He also asked them to educate their children. Verse 6 said,  ”In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them . . . These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” (Joshua 4:6b, 7). God asked them to educate their children about God’s mighty power and faithfulness. God also asked them to educate their children about His mercy and provision.

As growing Christians, what do you want to share this Christmas? What kind of impact do you want to make as you go through this season? There is a song that goes, “I wanna be a history maker in this land….” Brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s continue to make a long lasting impact in our surrounding; this is one of the best seasons to do it. Let us have ownership and responsibility of our actions. In this Christmas season, let’s express Jesus Christ by being less selfish, taking initiative, speaking truth with kindness, & accepting people who are different and sharing Jesus Christ to those who have never heard of His name. Let’s create a refreshing Christmas culture in our community of faith.