High Thinking

Colossians 3:1-2  - "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth."  

The mind is an awesome instrument of God. Yet He places it in frail humans. We are given control over what we think and how we react to those thoughts.  Mental images flood our mind, often driven by those things we chose to observe with our eyes and ears.  That is why Paul taught so strongly of the importance of keeping our minds focused on God and His Kingdom.  

Science says that we use only about 10% of our mental ability.  That's probably a good thing when it comes to the things of God, because we surely would be unable to comprehend the vastness of His love for us.  I Corinthians 2:9 says, "...Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."  Yet we all too often choose to dwell on those things which cause us the most pain and sorrow.  Yes, they are a part of life, but so is Heaven.  And soon this life will be over and Heaven's never-ending joy will consume us. 

So when you mind turns to thoughts uncomfortable, ask the Holy Spirit to help you look on things of God, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured His cross...and yours.  (Hebrews 12:2)

The Gifts

Well, the greens are hung, the first Advent candle has been lit, and the Christmas parade is tonight.  There will be fire trucks, police cars, bands, dancers, floats of all kinds, plenty of candy to catch, and of course, Santa Clause. Next week we'll have special suppers and performances, another Advent candle to light and messages about the coming of the Christ Child.  As we draw even closer to the big day, the shopping frenzy kicks in as diving prices and pushy kids make our trips to the store even more frustrating. We have worked feverishly to make sure everything is just right for the big day; that everyone gets just what they want and that it is wrapped properly. Hopefully, we have accomplished our task of pleasing everyone with our efforts.

The giving of gifts dates back obviously to the visit of the Magi at the home of Christ.  Yes, their gifts were well chosen and pricey.  But that was okay, because the only one receiving gifts that night was the child.  Mary, Joseph, their relatives and friends...no one else got a thing.  All attention was centered on the young child Jesus.  Much effort and sacrifice was made to get the gifts to him.  And the gifts were personally suited for His divine nature.  There were no returns, no exchanges, no "didn't fit" excuses.

If we were to chose to give our best gift first to Christ this Christmas, what would it be?  A monetary gift through the church, a supply of goods for a needy family, an offer of service to someone less fortunate...any of these would be worthy of the Christ.  He truly is the Reason for the Season. So let's just make sure we make Him the recipient of that best gift.  Whatever that may be, give it to Him with love from your heart and all the other gifts you give and receive will have much better meaning.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!