Pastor's Corner
When we watch the news on the TV or on the internet, we can see people lining up, some wrapped in blankets, and some even setting up their tents, braving the bone chilling cold for the big annual Black Friday sale events. Thousands of people flocked to the stores and malls in the wee hours of the night to get their hands on bargain deals.
This reminds me of many years ago when on one of the Black Friday mornings, William
and I woke up the kids, still half asleep, and headed out to the store where they had
a bargain deal on a kid’s bike. We arrived right at 6:00am when the store opened for
business. We were stunned by what we saw. The line wrapped around the building
and stretched across the parking lot somewhere. It took us a long time to reach the end where we got in line. By the time we got in the store, all the bargain bikes were gone. Miraculously, as we were scouting around the store, we found one on the ground, several aisles away from where it was supposed to be. That was the first and last of our Black Friday bargain hunting event.
For many of us, Christmas is a time of giving. Often the gifts we give are good bargains,
but not necessarily of any lasting or eternal value. The bike is long gone. The kids out
grew it faster than the time we spent in line (seems that way). Of course, we are willing
to spend time and effort on material gifts for our loved ones, but often times, these things just don’t last. Over time, they will be gone. They will be forgotten.
What are some gifts that are timeless and eternal? The first thing that comes to my mind is from more than 2000 years ago, God gave us the greatest gift of love, His only Son, Jesus. Each Christmas we celebrate this most precious gift and the eternal hope for mankind.
In the midst of all the giving and exchanging of gifts during this Christmas season, what
gifts of love can we give? Here are some suggestions to start with:
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To our friends and people around us - Be slow to criticize, quick to sympathize, say
kind words and be ready to help.
To our children –Be available. Take time to listen, to care, to counsel, to encourage
and to play. Teach them the unchanging absolutes of God‘s word. Show them faith,
hope and love by our own examples.
To our spouse - Love, treasure, appreciate and encourage each other. Be the spouse
that you want your other half to be.
To our parents – Acknowledge them with respect and honor. Show appreciation of
what they have done for us. Be sensitive to their needs and do the little things that
give them pleasure.
To Christ, our Lord – As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our savior, don't
forget to thank Him for the great gift of love; and love Him with all our heart, our
soul and our mind. To Him be the glory.
At this Christmas season, I hope you have already accepted the greatest gift of love –
Jesus Christ. Wish you a merry Christmas. May the love and peace of our Lord Jesus
Christ fill your heart!
Minister Pinnie
