Christmas??

So my heart hurt today as I was looking for Christmas cards and listening to Christmas music.

Why are there so many Christmas cards except the ones about WHO Christmas is all about? Think about it... CHRISTmas. The "religious" ones are often ugly and scarce. Really? That totally discouraged me.

So many people listen to Christmas music. The "religious" and the secular kind. I listen to both. I read a devotion recently (I think that's where) that talked about actually listening to the words of the Christmas songs that we sing about Jesus. They are powerful worship songs! So I've been listening more carefully, and it's so true! If you actually take time to listen and think about what is being sung...if you're a believer...I think you'll been drawn to worship our Savior. My frustration comes from the lack of understanding from so many people who celebrate Christmas but not Christ. The gospel message is in the songs they are humming along to! The Hope they so desperately need is being proclaimed to them, yet they are blind to it. I just want them to understand so badly!

But we were all like that at some point in our lives even if we are believers now. The Holy Spirit was the One that opened up our eyes to our sin, our need, our Savior and the cross.

My eyes were opened and my heart hurt and burdened today by these "discoveries." I know these things are not new subjects, but I thank the Lord for opening my eyes. May we have eyes to see and ears to listen. There's a hurting and lost world out there just aching for healing, for Jesus. Let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and show the world the Love that we've been given during this busy Christmas season and throughout the year. Let's keep our eyes on what matters most and rest in His arms.

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us." I John 3:16-20