First Thing First this Holiday Season

Whether we are celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, which also happens to begin on the 25th this year, there's one thing we must not forget... It's not about a fat man in a red suit, a decorated tree, presents, or even fun and family.

Though we really don't know the actual day that Jesus was born, we've set one aside just to thank Him and bring Him glory! Though as Christians, every day should be filled with appreciation and glorifying His name, it's wonderful that much of the world celebrates with us on this day. Unfortunately, the enemy has corrupted a Christian celebration with very pagan ideologies. 

This isn't a message to publicly denounce your family's traditions, but it's a reminder to keep the first thing first! In the midst of all the preparation and shopping, use this week to reflect on the Birth of Christ and remember what His life and ultimate death has meant to you! To simplify it, with Hanukkah (The feast of dedication) it's the rededication of the temple and the miracle working power of God that's celebrated and praised for eight days! As there was just enough oil to light the menorah for one day, by a miracle of God it did not burn out for eight. For us Christians we worship the light that never burns out, YESHUA! The focus for both must be the Lord and not the day-to-day frustrations of the season.

Be encouraged if you happen to feel alone on this day, these celebrations are as much for the single person as they are for families and groups, if you set your eyes on Jesus, you can still have a marvelous celebration with Him! You are not alone, rejected, unloved, unnecessary, or unwanted! You are deeply, deeply loved and He enjoys His private time with YOU!!!

Take time to sit in His presence and give Him praise! Jesus was born to live and die for YOU!!!

John 8:12 (KJV) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 1:1 (KJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 (KJV) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 10:22-23 (AMP) And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

Galatians 4:4-7 (KJV) But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.