The Graze

Pastor Nathan mentioned he would like another photo for the Redeeming Grace Biblical Counseling Center photo of him. So what do you think?

Anyone interested in getting a game of street hockey together, pick up game just for fun. email or text me if you are. bhough@redeemer-pca.org or 913-439-9319.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
- James 1:17 (ESV)

Here is a video from the organization, Advent Conspiracy, that I believe helps us to think about Christmas. Today in 2009/2010 American culture has defined Christmas as a time to focus on consumption, buying gifts and getting gifts. I love the presentation in this video as it challenges us to think about our own practices of Christmas and yet I’m a bit cautious of the organization due to its support by Rob Bell and others who promote a mere social gospel. Certainly it raises questions of how we are to care for those who have need in the name of Christ while always holding to the historical, Biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” (James 2:14–16 ESV)

Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, it is a time to worship God for the incarnation, a time to dwell on God having kept His promise given to Abraham. Spending our money on helping those in need then is not an end in itself. I don’t believe we celebrate Christmas properly by simply giving to those in need through various avenues, rather our giving to others is an out flow of our complete satisfaction in all the Jesus is for us so that we quit caring if we get an iPod or a Car for Christmas and use our money to love others as God has called us to. Then our focus can move from stuff to the only begotten Son of God and as we dwell on Christ we will not be able to stop from worshiping God.