December 1, 2019 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

THE JOY IN CHRISTMAS

Snow on the ground and freezing temperatures are some of the sights of Christmas at least here in Canada. Notice the tinsel-decorated shops, the carols on the radio or the festive lights as we drive around the city, and you get the magical feeling that we have just entered in the most wonderful time of the year.

But as I quote John Piper, this is what he says …

Christmas day and how we celebrate it, how everybody celebrates it, ought to mark an event that is ten million times more important than any event that has ever happened in the last 2,000 years since Jesus rose from the dead. God the Creator of the universe, infinitely holy, just, wise, good, upholding the universe by the word of his power (Hebrews 1:3) absolutely independent of us and not needing us, existing forever without us, took on human nature and entered this world precisely to die for sinners so that we could live forever in joy with him and not perish under God’s wrath. It is an absolute understatement when the angel said at Jesus’s birth: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

We can ill-afford to keep to ourselves the joy and peace Christ’s coming brings. Our joy is made perfect when we share it with others. We can make our homes and CEAC such that our love for Jesus and for one another may draw people to desire to experience the love and forgiveness of God through Christ. God forbid that we pattern ourselves and what we do according to the world’s ways or be concerned about looking good in the court of human opinions but may we always incline our ears to hear God’s voice.

Let us seek God first and the righteousness of His kingdom in all situations for all seasons. May we be so lost in His love that others may be attracted to God and His love displayed among us. May His presence and glory always remain in CEAC and multiply its ministries and partnerships for the sake of His name, advancing His Kingdom purposes to the praise of His glory.

Cheryl Zamora