Christmas Blessings

Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus!

Here we are at Christmas time again! The families of Christian Temple Church and I would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, and pray that your gatherings are centered around the true spirit of Christmas. Today, with all the media pressure and commercialization of Christmas, the world has taken the reason out of the season. In truth, because of the pressure of the holiday, it is a time and season that many no longer look forward to. We need to remind ourselves what we are celebrating, and why we are celebrating. The carnal mind would like to completely remove any reference to Jesus in this holiday, but we as Christians have to remember to keep Jesus in the forefront. We can take advantage of all the commercial hype of Christmas by using it as an opportunity to testify and share the love of God with friends, family, and people that we come into contact with on a daily basis.

So often times, young families put themselves in a financial bind trying to keep up with the worldly expectations of Christmas. Please don’t let that happen to you! Mothers and fathers can have quality time with their children and grandchildren by making gifts of cookies, candies, or crafts. A handmade gift from a loved one is of more value than anything money can buy. There are so many gifts that people can exchange with friends and families without putting a financial burden on themselves. Remember that we give gifts in remembrance of the gift of life that Jesus gave to us!

The Bible says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” We at Christian Temple have taken that Scripture to heart by endeavoring to bring Christmas to children in Mexico, Romania, Moldova, West Virginia and many other places at home and abroad. We find that bringing joy to others is the most rewarding gift you can give!

We are blessed people and have no lack. One might say, “That’s why you can say that it’s more blessed to give than to receive, because you don’t lack.” However, the very reason that we live in a house of plenty is because we seek after the needs of others.

You know, it is expected of you to buy a gift for your family or friends. To get God’s attention, why don’t you go to a neighbor that you don’t know and take them a pie, or reach out to a struggling family and take them a gift or two? Now you are getting God’s attention! You might be one that says, “Well, we don’t have enough for our family!” Perhaps you are the very one that needs to consider what I’m saying. Could this be the very reason you are lacking? Jesus gave His all. If you only share out of your abundance, then you’ve done nothing. Learn to give and share out of need, then you get God’s attention. He will open up the heavens and pour out a blessing on you. The more need that you are in is all the more reason that you need to give. This isn’t a message for just this holiday; it’s a message that we should apply to our lives on a daily basis. Just take a breath and step back. Examine yourself to see if you be in the faith. Don’t misunderstand this message; I am not pleading for your financial help. I’m busy doing what I’m suggesting you do. Look for someone in your community to help. Nobody has to know about it. I can say that God knows. If your motive for giving is to receive recognition, then your motive is wrong, and recognition will be your only reward. Do it as unto the Lord. He says that there is a reward for all labors. When you find the mind of Christ, then it will always be the season to bless others.

We encourage you and your family to be in church and worship the Lord Jesus Christ over the holidays and learn about the gift that God has given to us, for He so loved us that He gave us the gift of life, His own Son, Jesus Christ. If you don’t have a church home, we encourage you to find a good family of God where you can worship the Lord. I, the pastor, and the brothers and sisters of Christian Temple would like to invite you to fellowship with us. Come learn about the awesome gift of life and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

May God bless you and all your labors unto Him.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Rob Coones

This message, along with other printed and audio teachings by our pastor, Bro. Rob Coones, are available on our web site, and published for free distribution. For more copies, write to the address below, and state how many tracts you can wisely use.

Christian Temple Ministerial Association
3844 Mount Gilead Church Road
Sophia, NC 27350-8820 USA