Only One Reason

Merry Christmas!!! 

It is my hope and prayer that you are having a wonderful time with family and friends and enjoying this day that we commemorate the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

And before I get too deep into this, I'm humbled for those who've joined in prayer and continue to do so on this special day... one that started very early. I don't know about you, but when I asked the kids what time it was and hand me my phone, it said 5.42. Seriously kids? I might as well be walking out the door for work!

Meanwhile, on social media, I'm delighting in the occasional post of those whose kids slept in... including my pastor friend, who as of 8am was the only one still awake. With kids roughly the same age as mine, he was enjoying coffee and cinnamon rolls all to himself. Sadly he is no longer literally on the other side of town, otherwise I'd have accepted his invitation to come hang out.

But what a beautiful day to rest. As we commemorate through the giving of gifts in honor of God's gift to humanity, may His being the reason for the season ever be on the forefront of our minds.

And for pastors, who are perhaps in the midst of difficulty and struggle this Christmas, may they be renewed and refreshed as they remember the ministry God has called them to serve. As quickly as it can become a day of activity amidst a looming sense pressure, frustration and unpleasantness, it must remain a day of connection. Not only of drawing close with family and friends, but to the Creator of all families, God our Father, and the friend that sticks closer than a brother, Jesus Christ.

So... as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and indeed, the beginning of the Gospel story, let's pray for pastors and with them, church and ministry leaders. May today be a day that we all remember the reason for the season and the reason for our ministries. Pray today would be a day that we rejoice in the gift that has been given to us and remember the importance of the gift that has been entrusted to us to share with others. Indeed, may today be a day of rest and renewal, both for those who are staying home and for those traveling across town, both figuratively and literally.

May our faith be placed in Christ alone.
And our faith in humanity, perhaps restored.
As we draw ever closer into the presence of God
Surrounded by His grace, love and forgiveness
In the company of our beloved family and friends,
Strangers and aliens, as we all once were.
For the glory of the kingdom of Heaven.

- PNC