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By Rev Don Rivers
Sometimes in life we get things a little out of order. We get the cart before the horse. Christmas is one of those times. Christmas morning is the beginning of the celebration, not the end. Let’s get things in order for the celebration. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We all have heard the line; you can’t win if you don’t finish. Yogi Berra might say it this way, 90% of the cars that don’t finish won’t win the race. At the driver’s meeting the familiar refrain is, “you can’t win the race on the first lap, be patient.” You can however lose the race on the first lap.
Therein lies the challenge, getting things in the right order. We tend to get so caught up in things that we forget what is really important. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. We mark that day as December 25, but we really don’t know. Let’s try to take a different look at things this year. Let’s try to get things in order. Let us prepare to worship the king. That means slowing down and thinking about the priority of things.
During the year there are many significant dates. On the racing calendar the beginning of the season comes to mind. Daytona marks the beginning of the racing season. For Christians Christmas marks the beginning of the life of Christ.
We race for the finish line, but how many of us race to the starting line? The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming birth of our Savior.
Isaiah 9-6; For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah helps us understand the character of our Savior; wonderful, mighty, everlasting, giver of peace. It also helps us understand the priority he should have in our lives; God, father, prince and counselor. Isaiah told of the Savior yet to come. On the night of Jesus’ birth the angels proclaimed to the shepherds his arrival.
Luke 2:8-1; And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
The shepherds left their flocks and went to find this Savior. When they found him they went out and proclaimed his glory. This was the beginning and they made it a priority. They were the unlikely herald of the Savior’s arrival. Some didn’t receive him well.
The Savior is here, are we focused on the true meaning of Christmas? Will we run to his side and claim him as our own or will we be too busy chasing after the things of the world that keep us distracted.
I have often thought of what I would do if an angel of the Lord came and visited me. Do you remember Mary and Joseph? Each one received a visit. The angel announced what would take place with each of them, Mary would be with child and Joseph would take Mary for his wife. Together they would be responsible for bringing a child into the world that would be the savior of the world.
Would I embrace the call? Would I respond as Mary did “May it be with me as you have said, I am the Lord’s servant.”? Would I be too busy to even notice? We all have the decision to make. Jesus himself came to demonstrate his love for us. Will we accept it? Will we even break away from our busyness to notice?
Luke 2:4-7; Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Christmas means nothing if we don’t have the right perspective; this is the beginning! This Christmas season take time to begin anew, take time to contemplate what took place over 2,000 years ago for you and me. For unto us a child is born, a gift was given, a savior was born.
John 3:16-17; “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
My hope is that we each consider starting the new year with things in order, we begin with a renewed relationship with Christ our Savior. Seek Him while he can be found. God’s blessings to each of you.
Merry Christmas!
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
