Christmas Is Near!

Hey Everyone,

I hope you've been enjoying this season so far.  Christmas is a really spectacular time of the year. 
It's the only time of year people give to others on such a large scale and one of the things I've learned about giving is it comes with a profound reward.
Yeah, the chaos at the stores and some of the cruelty that comes out shows the ugly side of this year too, but that just shows what ugliness money brings about.

The important thing is to take a moment and really cherish what this time of year is really about. 
It is a time to reflect on the birth of our Savior, the one Man who single-handedly changed mankind in a way far greater than any armies ever could.
He gave the greatest gift anyone could ever give . . . Himself for our sins.  He stepped between us and the penalty that we were going to have to pay and said "I love them too much, take me instead".  He didn't care how flawed we were or how much we messed up.  He loves us because He see's the greatness in every one of us and nothing less.

So what do you give Him in return?  After all, He is God and owns everything.  But there's only one thing He has ever wanted from us that we've been given the free will to decide.  He just wants us.  He wants our love, our attention, our hearts.  He's a father wanting nothing but a relationship with His children.  We don't have to me macho enough or prove ourselves in any way.  He loves us just the way we are, because to Him, we're beautiful and perfect.  He doesn't see us for any less than that either.

As pastor Scott said, God doesn't and can't see us for any less than our greatest potential.
So this holiday, what will you decide?  Will you accept His gift?
Will you give God the only thing He has ever wanted from you?

Merry Christmas everyone!