THAT IS WHY I AM JUST SOOOOOOOO CHRISTMAS
“He that sent Me is with Me; the Father has not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him. As He spoke these words, many believed on Him.” While reading these lines I am impressed by His incredible self-declaration which follows. “Then He said to those who believed on Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then are you My disciples, indeed.’“ (“If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.”) Christmas means more to those who stick with it and believe the story is more than just a fable or a fairy tale. It is more than elves making toys at a storied land up in the North Pole. It is more than a reindeer with a shiny red nose lighting the way on a foggy Christmas Eve. It is far more than the ring of cash registers and swiping of credit cards; for that matter it is about the One who sent Jesus as a virgin born Son and about the purpose for which He was sent.
I BELIEVE, is a sign often seen today displayed in department stores; but that is not all there is to it. I KNOW, is the result of following Him as a disciple. Paul had an, I BELIEVE EXPERIENCE IN GOD. In a terrible storm he said, “I believe God,” and because he did others were saved. He also said, “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him.” I am going to play nutcracker for a mo-ment and say, “It is not enough just to believe. You must continue in His Word where you can say for yourself, I KNOW.” Knowing is a snow covered path way of obedience to experiencing what God promises, for only God can save a man.
I hope, in writing this, I am unwrapping a gift from heaven for you. You see, if you believe and know, then you can chime in with the ring of Salvation Army bell ringers and say. “I can do all thing through Christ who strength-ens me.” It is more than just believing that makes me SOOOOOOOO CHRISTMAS this year. It is knowing Him who is life eternal. When we believe and know, then our lives become a daily reality show of CAN DO. We become living letters of the greatest story ever told, and it all began in a manger long ago in Bethlehem.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR BELOVED FRIENDS AND CHURCH FAMILY. WE LOVE YOU AND WE BELIEVE IN YOU!
Your loving pastors,
Cleddie & GayNell Keith