Contrast!

As I was running last week I was thinking of contrast. The contrast of where I had been and where I was. Running in the crisp fall air along a paved road with the frost lightly covering the fall leaves. Rather than a dusty, pot hole filled road shared with cows, dogs, vehicles belching copious amounts of exhaust into the hot dry air. I passed houses filled with partiers celebrating the season with their polished vehicles sitting in the road. Mud brick houses with chickens feeding in the yard and goats sharing the living room.

People bustling about making last minute purchases, angrily talking on their cell phones, grumbling about the lines, wearing the most amazing frowns possible, and speaking of “Happy Holiday’s” and “Seasons Greetings”. Common people eagerly streaming to the town center, smiling with a joy that comes from the heart, and anxiously waiting in long lines to receive their ONLY gift of CHRISTMAS. However, the love of God is to all these people, “For God so loved the WORLD that He gave His only begotten SON, that whosoever should believe in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 Those who had so little had the joy of the Lord. What true gratefulness they exhibited. We get caught up in the moment and season and lose the true reason for the season. The reason for EVERY season, Jesus. “For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel." Luke 2:30-32 The contrast of a loving savior who came to this earth to save us from our filthy sin. He is a bright and shinning light in the darkness. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; But the LORD will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes round about and see; they all gather together, they come to you your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried in the arms. Then you will see and be radiant, and your heart will thrill and rejoice; because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you, the wealth of the nations will come to you.” Isaiah 60:1-5 May we always celebrate Jesus birth, death, resurrection, and victory over the grave.

Merry CHRISTmas!