Saturday, December 23, 2017

Why Christ was Born
By Jesse LeMay
                Sleigh bells are ringing, rooftops are glistening, carolers are singing, and families are coalescing. Yep, Christmas time is here again. For many, especially the little ones, this is their favorite part of the year. Trees get cut down and dragged into the house (unless they are stowed away in a box somewhere in the basement or garage). Lights and decorations are strung everywhere. Endless shopping and last-minute gift wrapping fill the days and nights leading up to the big gathering. Despite all the festivities, Christmas is recognized by many as representing the birth of Christ.
                While it is true that millions around the world associate Christmas with Jesus’ birth, nowhere in the Bible are we given such a date. Nor do we read about Christians celebrating this birth in any way. In contrast, what we do read is Christ’s followers gathering together in worship on the first day of every week for the main purpose of taking the Lord’s supper in remembrance of Jesus’ death. That being said, as long as we understand that there is no biblical credence to celebrating Christmas, there is no harm in spending time with family and loved ones enjoying the holiday.
                One positive that comes out of Christmas is that many are thinking about Jesus and His birth. Having the Lord in the forefront of our minds is never a bad thing. A question that hopefully is brought to fruition is, “Why was Jesus born?” The Gospels of Matthew and Luke give fabulous details in their openings about the birth of Jesus. Certainly inspired by God and worth reading, there are other passages in Scripture which tell us about “Why” Christ was born and came to earth. In fact, Jesus Himself gives us such a description.
                Also recorded in Luke’s Gospel, in speaking to Zaccheus, Jesus told him that, “the Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost” (19:10). Jesus was speaking to Zaccheus, but in simplicity, that is why the Christ was born. Jesus is seeking those who are in need of a Savior. Unfortunately, that is everyone, as all are guilty of sin. While Jesus does seek the lost, we must do our part by seeking after Him. May we strive to remember why the Christ was born every day, and not just at the end of each December.


Friday, December 15, 2017

      
The Value of Patience
By Jesse LeMay
We have all heard the old phrase, “Patience is a virtue.” Origin of this valuable concept is not exactly clear; however, many believe that it dates back to the fifth century epic poem Psychomania, written by the Latin poet Prudentius. Included in this writing are seven virtues which are in conflict with seven vices (yourdictionary.com). Regardless of where it comes from, there is no doubt that patience is needed in our lives in so many ways.
As individuals we must remember to be patient with others and with ourselves. Along with “love,” “kindness,” and other Christ-like qualities, Paul lists “patience” among the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23). People are not always going to do the things we want them to do, nor are they always going to be the people we think they should be. Included in that group of people is self. Sometimes we fail to be the example Christ expects of His follower. However, with enough encouragement and patience, people can change.
Leaders of the home, of the church, of anything, need to have patience. Their responsibility is to help others grow and become better people. Unfortunately, sometimes individuals are happy right where they are, and see no need to grow. Arnold Glasgow once said, “The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.” Be persistent, never stop encouraging and leading by example, but be patient.
Perhaps patience is such a virtue because God Himself possesses it towards us. When we are caught committing a crime in the world we receive due punishment. In contrast, the Lord does not bring immediate retribution upon those who have wronged Him. Furthermore, He is delaying His return to bring glory and justice because of patience. Concerning this topic, in his second letter, the Apostle Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not desiring for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (3:9).
Our Creator is patient. Patient because He wants what is best for us. We too must be patient. With self and with others. Persevering even when we feel like giving up. There is great value in patience. After all, it is a virtue. 

Friday, December 8, 2017

Rally for the Cause
By Jesse LeMay
For the men, women, and children living in and around Honolulu, Hawaii, December 7, 1941 began as any other Sunday morning. Church goers were making their way to services, nearby military personnel were enjoying a late day of sleeping in on their day off. This sun-filled peaceful morning would soon become anything but typical. Everything changed when just before 8 a.m. planes began raining down bullets and bombs, unbeknownst to all on the island. 

The Empire of Japan was launching a surprise attack on the United States and its naval base of Pearl Harbor. It was a devastating attack, which included an 1,800-pond bomb being dropped directly on the battleship USS Arizona, causing it to quickly sink with more than 1,000 men trapped inside (history.com). By the time it was over, no less than 2,400 Americans had been killed and almost half as many wounded.

President Roosevelt addressed Congress the next day requesting a declaration of war. With shocked and fearful citizens listening, the President said that December 7, 1941 would be “a date which will live in infamy.” 

The attack that day became a rallying point for Americans. For four years, there was a spirit of determination and unity, with men and women fighting, sacrificing, and working together for a common cause. As a result of this cohesiveness, which began that day at Pearl Harbor, the U.S. and its allies were able to overcome and achieve something that would change history.


Do we have such a rallying point as Christians? What is our cause? The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is that cause. Faith leads us to join Christ by being baptized for the forgiveness of our sins, and being resurrected to a newness of life (Col. 2:12). 
Once this happens we are in a spiritual battle every day. Paul the Apostle said that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Eph. 6:12). He told Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…” (1 Tim. 6:12). 

If we as Christians can unite and work together, we too can achieve great things. There never has been, nor will there ever be a greater cause than fighting for Christ. Not physically, but spiritually, bringing others to Jesus and changing eternity for them. May we all rally for the cause!