Christian Education Europe - Weekly Blog #christmas time

'Tis the Season

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 13:30:00 +0000

It’s that time of the year again! Christmas is here! Although 2020 has been ‘different’—to say the least—let us do some reflection. Despite all the mess this year has brought, there is a message.

2020 has disrupted our plans, our jobs… our way of life. We were forced to slow down. This year has exposed our priorities and attitude. It has brought to light the things that we have taken for granted, such as breathing freely without a mask or just hugging our loved ones! It has also revealed how much we depend on God, or if we are operating from our own strength.

There are so many factors in our lives that we can’t control, including everything that has happened this year, but we can control our focus. This is the last month of 2020; let us finish this year strongly by focusing on the One who has begun everything. This Christmas let’s get back to what really is important.

Christmas should be all about Jesus. As Christians, we need to remain convicted to turn the tide of what Christmas is about back to what it should be all about: Jesus was given to mankind.

For to us a Child is born,
    to us a Son is given;
and the government shall be upon His shoulder,
    and His name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over His kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

He came up into the world as a baby—the weakest being possible—in the most dreadful conditions—a filthy stable. This baby, born of a virgin, came to earth and prophecies were fulfilled.

...who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:6 -10 (NKJV)

Jesus was born to die for us. He took our sins and nature upon Himself at the cross and rose again on the third day. We then have the opportunity to be reconciled to God the Father, to receive salvation and restoration to newness of life, by faith. Christmas begins what Easter celebrates.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life -.John 3:16

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

This Christmas, as you give and receive gifts, let us remind ourselves and our families of the greatest Gift ever given. This Gift is still working two thousand years later. And like with any gift, all God wants you to do is receive it.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. - John 10:10

Jesus came that we may have an abundant and purposeful life. When we believe and receive Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, our old life is gone and a new one begins. We are raised to life through Christ. His life continually flows through us and in us every day. We are now joined to Him like branches, as He says in John 15.

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. - John 15:5 (NKJV)

Going into a New Season

May we go out from 2020 better than we started it. May we not get caught up with the world's standards of ‘what matters’ but fix our eyes on the One Who is the beginning and the end, our only hope, Jesus.

Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12: 1-3 (NKJV)

As we go into a new season, one where the world might be even crazier, Jesus is not worried. He sits down at the right hand of the throne of God. He is still in control, so leave all your worries behind in 2020!

Receiving the Gift

If you have never received Jesus as heaven’s Gift or want to commit your life to Him again, simply choose to believe and accept His free gift of salvation. Call upon him in prayer:

Father God, thank you for sending the greatest Gift—Jesus—to save me and make me alive. Thank you, Jesus, that You are the reason for this season. I believe that You died on the cross for me and were raised to life again. Today, I give You my life. I give You my sins and my shame. Forgive me, and I will spend the rest of my life following You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Happy Christmas and have a blessed New Year!

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

GENEROUS

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 13:30:00 +0000

It’s Christmas time! The spirit of giving is being hyped up via media in the form of boosting commercialism and trade. Sparkling gifts are being packaged up ready for the big day, and those individuals who have the love language ‘gift giving’ are having a field day.

Not going to knock this tradition; the giving and receiving of gifts is a precious and special thing, and this year especially, we can be even more grateful for each and every blessing, whether that is in the form of a gift, or just in the BEING TOGETHER.

Generosity, however, is not limited to being expressed in the giving of presents. It is a vast and overflowing thing, and at its core is the love of God. It is important to note that acts of giving are a result of generosity of heart. If you give a gift to someone, yet are unkind to them, it doesn’t really do them any good.

To be generous is to give of what you have in order to benefit someone else.

So, apart from gift giving, how else can we be generous?

With our time:

One of the greatest things you can do for someone is take some time to listen to them. There are so many out there who are not heard. By listening to them, you are also telling them that what they think and feel is important, that they are valuable members of society, and that what they have to say is worth your time. You are letting them know that their presence in your life is valuable.

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. - Proverbs 11:25 (ESV)

With our resources:

Many of us are privileged to have jobs, houses, and cars etc. There is much to be thankful for. Because this is the case, it is so much more important that this privilege is shared with others who may not have the same resources at their disposal. It’s up to you to find ways of being generous with your resources, especially this year when it’s harder to do things like invite people round for dinner or give them a lift in your car. But there are other (more socially-distant) ways to give of what you have; get creative!

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)

With our words:

Words are a power that we must learn to wield wisely. Now, we all know that often the joys of being together for Christmas go hand-in-hand with some strife. Being in close quarters with family members, trying to cook a 3-course meal with little kids running about, having a never-ending mess to clear up – this is the side of Christmas that really spends a person’s patience. It is very easy to stand in the midst of the chaos and have a verbal meltdown. It is in these moments that generosity has the opportunity to have a ‘glow-up’. Instead of allowing floods of angry words flow, we can choose words that will build others up, not tear them down. This doesn’t mean that you have to live in chaos; it just means you don’t need to react in anger to keep the peace. Give your loved ones the gift of kind and peace-keeping words this Christmas.

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. - 2 Corinthians 9:11 (ESV)

With our strengths/skills:

We all have different abilities and strengths. Why not tap into those strengths this season and pair them up with a dose of generosity?

If you are able bodied, why not go shopping for someone who is elderly, help someone put up their Christmas lights, wash cars or windows?

Are you creative? Make some Christmas cards or decorations for friends and family, write a 2020 Christmas Carol or a cheesy joke.

Have a think about what strengths you have and then use them generously to make someone smile.

They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. - Psalm 112:9 (ESV)

With the gospel message:

Christmas is a time of joy and togetherness, but there are many out there who are not having a good time. The world is a cold, dark place, and so many individuals are out there who do not know the love and acceptance of Jesus.

Ultimately, our job as believers is to be generous with the story of Jesus. God, Who came humbly to earth all those years ago as a tiny baby – born to die, so that one day, each of us could pray for him to save us.

Christmas is a special time because it highlights the Gospel message. Christian people need to take this opportunity to be generous with the love of Jesus. All the previous examples of being generous culminate into this one thing – we need to give of ourselves, because that’s what He did for us.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16 (ESV)