Another jolly season is here and many are making preparations to spread tidings of joy in remembrance of the Saviour that was born. Even those who do not see Him as the only way to salvation can revel in social activities and attend services – to embrace the positive merry mood, applaud theatre and music production performance, hear the very best choral and poetic renditions, exchange gifts, light trees etc. Some will of course add the usual humanitarian touch for flavour as they share food boxes and presents to the poor orphan.
The climax is the 25th. … this year, a Sunday … except that some are concerned that our reunions, feasts, outings and get-togethers conflict with normal humdrum morning and evening devotion – even as churches outdo themselves to make the Christmas Sunday a day not easily forgotten. Many on that day will say our worship is in Spirit and not bound by days, location and venues – and perhaps rightly so, elect to enjoy the company of family and loved ones. Those who sacrifice minutes of kin camaraderie for devotion will not expect to be confronted by anything of much gravity and will instead be compensated with the Pastor’s very best performance. If there is a day that happiness of members count – it is this day.
Granted, it spoils the mood to bring to fore that our appointed modern holiday seasons and worship rituals have mostly pagan origins. These are like consistent and regular “lite” viral inoculations to confer immunity against any invading deeper truths. The challenge therefore is always to restore truths and leverage evangelism to achieve the opposite of what the god of this world planned i.e. be religious as you shop, browse, eat, dance and be merry for this is the season of joy.
Proverbs 23 advises on what to do with the turkey knife at high-status events.
Proverbs 23[1] When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: [2] And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. [3] Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
Our ways are deceived because our measures are often wrong. Indeed our worship is in Spirit but it is also in truth. Our scorecard is God’s commendation.
2 Corinthians 10[18] For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
For example, Jesus said of the church in Sardis – they were reputed for being alive whereas they were dead. Everyone knew of their church meetings … the excited crowds singing unto the Lord at a fourth jam-packed service … all this, while Jesus holds His nose. The stench of decay is not completely deodorized by the hype of the jamboree. The few at the Sardis Christmas service who receive spiritual life from the shortest message preached on any Sunday only wait for that growing word to be choked at the banquet planned later in the evening. The error of the church in Sardis is still with some today … please read the Open Heavens Devotional “Wrong Measures, False Results”. Traditions ossified by literature like the “Christmas Carol” have embedded the thinking that spending, consumption and mirth is the model of the “generous “spirit.
Some financial advice – do not spend to impress. This is hedonism if not plain waste. Christianity is typified by moderation … and really you do not need another gadget even if Apple thinks so … stick to your budget … the borrower is servant to the lender.
Let the occasion be one for evangelism, focusing on God, giving and spiritual uplifting. Go against the grain … seek God in a different way – let it be a time for urgent restitutions. Know that careful and elaborate preparations have been made by the enemy of our soul to see that once again, the god of this world ravages the souls of men. I recently read ( I recommend you read the linked essay ) of a new evangelical spectrum – from “hyperfundamentalist” to “indifferentists” which I suspected to be recasting what in the book of Revelation Christ termed “Hot – Lukewarm – Cold”. Perhaps what many call a balanced conservative middle-ground positioning was what was commanded to be spewed out. We can determine to be “scalding” in showing the love of Christ and in our giving in the season. It is a wonderful opportunity for many to know Christ as Lord and Saviour. Christ waits to welcome the sinner home.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God – Annual Holy Ghost Congress – themed “A New Thing” will hold Dec. 12th- 17th 2011. As part of the yuletide events try something different to set the tone for the holiday season by attending. You can join online to be strengthened in your spirit. See Trailer below for details.
As we look at the word of God … we often see a mix of individuals portraying a varied blend of journeys and processes and how these impact the pleasure of God. However we do see some rare individuals that simply stand out as His stars….and can discern some common elements that convince us that perhaps there is a DNA to identify God’s stars.
“Whatever you may have gone through or be going through right now, things are about to turn out beautifully for you” says Pastor Adeboye, General Overseer, The Redeemed Christian Church of God. With the theme “All will be Well” – this congress is a very special one. All you need to do is believe the Lord and trust in His word. He is faithful to perform His word.
I believe that time will come when a certain percentage, not all of us, of the nation will be 100 per cent committed to seeking Him. I will illustrate that one. When God was going to destroy the city of Sodom and Gomorrah, and He visited Abraham, His friend and He told Abraham, this is what I am going to do.
