“Christmas Times A’ Comin”
By Bruce Cannon
Mitchell County
It almost seems impossible that this should be the December edition of the Blue Ridge Christian News, that Thanksgiving has past and we are soon celebrating our Savior’s birth. Yes, the cold winds are blowing, some snow has already fallen so “Christmas Times A’ Comin.”
I love Christmas! For the most part, people have a giving spirit, which as we know, began in the heart of God when He gave His Son to be the Savior of the world.
As we prepare for this celebration, and as we celebrate Jesus’ birth, let us not let Him get lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas. There are presents to be bought, trees and houses to be decorated, and parties to attend, but let’s keep the main thing the main thing.
One of my favorite verses is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave….” What did God give?
- The perfect gift. It’s a gift everyone needs, it’s the right size and shape, and one that we can all take great pleasure in receiving.
- A gift that will last forever! It’s not one that breaks when it is used but is eternal. Unlike some gifts that wear out with excessive use, this gift gets better and better the more it is used.
- A gift that does not cost its recipient anything, nor does it cost anyone to give the gift to others. The One who made it possible paid the whole price so this gift can be freely received by all.
What is this gift? It’s Jesus. It’s salvation. It’s forgiveness. It’s help, hope, encouragement, love, grace, mercy, peace, satisfaction and fullness of life. And it’s so much more!
Faith Hill’s song, “A Baby Changes Everything,” expresses my sentiments perfectly! This baby changed everything. No longer does mankind have to die lost in sin. No longer does he or she have to face the challenges of this world by himself or herself. This Baby (Jesus) changed all of that!
His death and resurrection, as we all know, makes it possible to go to Heaven at our death AND makes it possible to have Heaven come down to us while we live. For, as Peter wrote in First Peter, we can enjoy Heavenly blessings while still here on earth. We can have His obvious presence, His power, His guidance and so much more here. And it’s all because of a baby born at Christmas 2000 years ago.
Enjoy Christmas. Know that you are loved beyond all measure by a God who cared enough to send His very best to you.
Merry Christmas from our home and hearts to you! Bruce and Wendy Cannon
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Reverend Bruce Cannon currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church in Bakersville. Formerly he served as Director of Missions for the Bladen Baptist Association and he has served on the General Board of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.
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