“Jonathan Edwards calls the deeper, primary form of thankfulness ‘gracious gratitude.’ It gives thanks not for goods received, but for who God is: for His character - His goodness, love, power, excellencies - regardless of favors received. And it's real evidence of the Holy Spirit working in a person's life.” –Chuck Colson Dear friends, this is how I am celebrating Christmas this year with gracious gratitude. Gratitude for being alive and healthy, for his faithfulness and provision, for treasured family and friends. Gratitude, that I could visit all these places this year (Cape Town, England, France, Switzerland and Germany). Gratitude that I can serve with other Christians to enhance the Kingdom of God. Gratitude for the 100's of lives that have been impacted with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am just thankful for everything, for all the blessings in my life. But most of all, gratitude to celebrate the beauty of Christmas not in presents but in His presence, emphasising the goodness and grace of God.
The true meaning of Christmas: "Luke 2:8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. v9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. v10 And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. v11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord". This should be a time of great joy, a time of celebrating God's greatest gift to the world, the birth of Christ the Saviour. A time of fellowship with family and friends, a time of enjoying the indescribable love and grace of God. “The greatest and most momentous fact which the history of the world records is the fact of Christ’s birth.” Charles H. Spurgeon
Let us all celebrate Christ's birth, His resurrection and with great expectation looking forward to his second coming. But, while we are waiting, lets not wasted our lives, but grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain. What was once foolishness to us, a crucified God, must become our wisdom and our power and our only boast in this world” John Piper.
God of grace and mercy, Looked down from up above, To see a world in chaos, Without hope and love, He saw the only way, Was to send His precious Son, To be born of a woman, Bringing hope to everyone, He came into the world, Just a babe in swaddling cloth, Who one day grew to be, The saviour of the lost. By M.S.Lowndes
