Holy Discontentment

OK, this may sound a bit like a rant, and in some ways it is, but God has placed in me a heart that wants to see change in His members of His Church.  My prayer is that some may make a change in their worldview while others may mentor someone into a healthy relationship with God and one-another.

During this Christmas season, and in many of the past Christmas seasons that I can remember, I am becoming very discontent – something Bill Hybels might call a Holy Discontentment.  Many of the people in relationships I have, as well as many other “Christians” I know, don’t really reflect the character and nature of the God I follow.  The commercialism of the “Holiday Season” has not only taken over the worldly culture, it has infiltrated the local congregations.  The negativity of spending money, busyness, annoying family members, and the occasional tone of the “Merry Christmas” that is being used more to separate and condemn than to spread love and joy of this miraculous season just breaks my heart. 

This time of year is meant to be there to celebrate Jesus’ birth and spread the kind of love and joy that He brought into our lives.  It was never meant to spread dissension, busyness and negativity, much of which comes right from the very ones that claim to follow Him!  Jesus is The Reason for the Season!

Bottom line is that when we think this season has anything at all to do with us, we miss the point.  When we think this season is about spending money, getting gifts, focusing on our happiness and the happiness stuff gives those around us, we lose out.  We, The Church, are called to spread His love and joy to the world around us.  We must realize that this life, once we gave our lives to Christ as our Savior AND our Lord, is not about us…it’s only about Jesus.  And this time of year is the best time of year to spread His message of love and joy to a sin-sick, fallen world.  Hearts are more open to the message of Christ this time of year than any other.

So this Christmas week, get out and purposely show His love to those you come in contact with on a daily basis.  Hold a conversation with the clerk at the gas station, the coffee shop, restaurant or grocery store.  Truly get to know them.  Ask them how you can pray for them…and if at all possible, do so with them right there.  If you are able, give anonymous gifts to those in need, in Jesus name (not your own).  There are so many in need in our very communities – homeless, prisoners, nursing home residents, etc.  Give a gift to someone you know has very little during this time of their life.  The opportunities are endless and God shows us these opportunities on a daily basis - we need only to open our eyes to the things He cares about!  Jesus said we are to be His witnesses…that means we are to show His love and mercy all year long, so why not start during the season where we are supposed to celebrate His coming as a baby to save the world!

Acts 1:8 - English Standard Version (ESV)

^“ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Merry Christmas to all and most importantly, Thank You God for sending your Son to this earth giving us the only reason to celebrate…Jesus Christ!  I pray we spend some time on our knees in holy communion with You during this time of celebration!