December 23, 2009

 Thanks Even Now!

Homes are being foreclosed on and families don’t know what to do or where to go. The economy is out of control and people all around us are losing their jobs, relationships are under attack and for some there is no hope. Credit card debt is killing us and interest rates are going through the roof. Yesterday your credit rating was excellent and a medical challenge or lost job has changed everything.

The truth is that unless we have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ we don’t have any hope. The government and it’s stimulus package can’t do it. If that would have worked we would not be in the situation we are in right now. The truth is that if God doesn’t do it, it can’t be done.

This is Christmas a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Many have gotten lost in the real meaning of this season. They think it is about presents and Santa Claus. Children are confused because they don’t know what is going to happen since Santa might not be coming this year, you know the economy got his sleigh a little hemmed up. All the gifts he normally carries are caught up in credit card debt.

It all sounds pretty bad and it is if you don’t have hope in Jesus Christ.

This Christmas no matter what your situation or circumstance we encourage you to give thanks. In Ephesians 5:20 the bible says, And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Look at the things you have to be thankful for:

• Healthy family
• Family that is still together
• Love
• Relationships
• God Himself

This Christmas instead of focusing on what you don’t have focus on what you do have. Focus on the good things and give thanks for each and every one of them. Give thanks for the situation that seems bad, but could actually be worse. Somebody lost a family member this Christmas. Somebody is alone with no one to share this Christmas with, while you are complaining about the way your family member decorated the tree or makes the dinner. Be thankful that you are not alone, forgotten or rejected. Be thankful that your family still enjoys being around you or at least tolerates you. Give thanks for the things you see happening in the lives of others. God smiles when inspite of our situation we can be happy for someone else.

Make this Christmas a better one. Make this Christmas a time of sharing joy, sharing life and sharing love.

No matter what your situation, Give Thanks Even Now!

Scripture:

 Ephesians 5:20:
20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.