The King has Come

The Work of Christmas and Our Response

Happy New Year, dear friends! As we step into this new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the promise of Christmas and what it means for us as followers of Christ. We’ve spent the last few weeks exploring the significance of Jesus’ coming, and I believe it’s essential to carry that message forward into our lives.

At our church, we emphasize a "prayer first" posture. This is not just a catchy phrase; it’s a way of life that we strive to embody. We want to be known as a community that lifts each other up in prayer, whether through our app, website, or simply by filling out a prayer card. Recently, we received a prayer request for Jean Westby, who is facing significant health challenges. Let’s keep her and her family in our prayers, trusting that God will guide her care and bring comfort to those who love her.

As we look beyond our immediate community, we cannot ignore the devastating wildfires in California. Many churches and families have been affected, and I encourage you to consider supporting the Crisis Relief Fund. Every donation goes directly to those in need, reflecting our call to be the hands and feet of Jesus in times of crisis.

Now, you might wonder why we’re still talking about Christmas when the holiday season has passed. The truth is, the work of Christmas is ongoing. It’s not just a one-time event; it’s a continuous journey of discipleship. We’ve discussed how Jesus came for sinners, how He didn’t meet everyone’s expectations, and how His gift of salvation is available to all. The promise of Christmas is joy and peace, but what should our response be?

I recently reflected on the Apostle Paul’s writings, particularly in Ephesians. His letters often overflow with enthusiasm and joy, and I can’t help but think that our response to the gift of Jesus should mirror that same excitement. Paul wrote with such fervor that entire passages are one long sentence, filled with praise for God’s grace and love. It’s a reminder that our gratitude for what God has done should be expressed with joy and enthusiasm.

But let’s be honest—life can be complicated. We often get caught up in our daily struggles, and it’s easy to lose sight of the incredible gift we’ve been given. Paul wrote his letters from prison, yet he still found a way to express joy and gratitude. If he could do that in such difficult circumstances, how much more should we strive to live with that same spirit?

One of the challenges we face is the noise of our lives. We fill our days with distractions, leaving little room for silence and stillness. Yet, it is in those quiet moments that we can truly hear from God. How often do we take time to be still and listen? I encourage you to carve out moments in your week for silence, to reflect on God’s love and what He might be asking of you.

As we move forward, let’s commit to being a community that responds to God’s promise with joy and praise. Let’s not allow the busyness of life to drown out the incredible truth of the Gospel. Instead, let’s embrace the work of Christmas in our hearts and lives, allowing it to influence everything we do.

In closing, I invite you to take a moment of silence today. Ask God what He wants you to know, and listen for His voice. Let’s model Paul’s example of enthusiastic praise and gratitude as we continue to live out the promise of Christmas in our lives.

May this year be filled with opportunities to reflect God’s love and grace to those around us. Happy New Year, and let’s make it a year of joy and purpose!