Christmas month is almost over for another year. And again I find myself trying to reach out to help people who can’t, by themselves, “unwrap” Christmas. It is, you know, “wrapped” for many.
……..Wrapped in bandages of bygone hurts and disappointments
……..Wrapped in plastic of sophistication which shuns childlike wonder
……..Wrapped in the tinsel of a materialistic binge
……..Wrapped in the confetti and streamers of empty partying
……..Wrapped in the busy-getting-ready preparations
……..Wrapped in the artistically designed whiskey box of bombed-out, so-called celebrations.
The wrappings represent the cluttered residue of a man or woman’s private history. They are the wadded packaging of Christmases ruined in other times, at other places. Sadly the impact carries on, souring year after year.
I’m speaking of people who:
* Had a heartbreak one yuletide and now always associate the season with that tearful memory.
* Have been burned out over family stresses surrounding the holidays, so that now these days are dreaded instead of anticipated with joy.
* Became wearied with the carnality of superficial gift giving when love seldom attended the presents, and wince at the idea of Christmas shopping.
How many cases? How many varieties of death wrap a God appointed celebration of life?
I come to you today, my disappointed friend in Jesus’ name and I come with this word, “Be free!”
Confront and reject those ghouls of past pain. Refuse to let the prince of darkness smother the season of light. The one who sought to murder the babe of Bethlehem now seeks to ruin your celebration of His coming.
Jack Hayford’s book “Come…and behold Him!”
John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
CHALLENGE: Unwrap the gift of God’s love and be free as you step into a brand New Year.
