Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Robert Ferguson):
Personally, I find this time of year to be one of the most difficult. On one hand there is so much joy and reasons to be merry. However, at the same time we are inundated with advertisements and marketing ploys to spend, spend, spend!! Even if money were not an issue, who has the time and energy to make the holidays as perfect as a Wal-mart commercial? My tree is not that large, my gifts don’t always overflow in abundance from underneath the tree, and sometimes there’s just no snow on Christmas Eve. Nevertheless, we will spend every available dollar and expend every ounce of energy this year in hopes of creating the perfect holiday; and for what it’s worth, I hold the marketing gurus on Madison Avenue responsible. Whether it’s a movie, a billboard, advertisements, or slogans, there is this message that this is the kind of life you need to live in order to be happy. You must live a lifestyle of convenience, ease, wealth, rest and relaxation, carefree independence, and the freedom to do whatever you please with no restrictions. When taking it in, it doesn’t seem wrong or bad at all. But upon deeper reflection, there is something about this worldview that ultimately leaves people hollow and empty. So many people strive after this picture of life; but even after getting all they want, they are still looking for something more.
As I was reading the scripture for today, I was struck by Paul’s reference to the “unbelievers” whose minds have been blinded by the gods of this world. And before we go any further, let me say that just because we all want to create beautiful Christmas celebrations for our family does not make us a society of unbelievers. However, I do feel that it is easy to get swept up chasing after the picture of the perfect life and finding it hard to find time to think about God and the true purpose of life. Many are focused and single mindedly striving for this picture of life, and it keeps them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. So often we treat the birth and death of Christ has historical events that happened once upon a time. As I read the text for today, I hear Paul saying that these events are ongoing works in our lives. Daily we are reborn with the Savior who came to save us, and we die with the sacrificial lamb who atoned for our sins. This is the glory of Christ who is the image of God. Christ came that we might have life and have it more abundantly; and not necessarily abundant in a material sense, but abundantly in the sense of the fullness of life, confidence in faith, and hope.
Thought for the day: During this holiday season I hope that you, like me, can take a few moments out from the hustle and bustle and remember that we must stay encouraged in Christ. In addition to the scarf or toy with which you may want to gift someone this season, be sure and remind them that Jesus is ever present in our lives and that all things are to his glory!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.