“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 (KJV)
In the December 2008 issue of Christianity Today, an article entitled “Scrooge Lives!” discusses a shocking trend. There is a “lack of generosity among American Christians . . . and it has nothing to do with the economy.”
This is a serious, foundational issue for believers. A disciple of Christ who doesn’t tithe and give should stop calling him/herself Christian. Jesus said, “freely you have received, freely give” (Mt. 10:8), and this Christological command is more concrete than simply praying for the sick or sharing our faith with others.
Perhaps we have forgotten our inheritance. December’s special season has become so commercialized, hectic, and frustrating that many of us have become Scrooge-like in our attitudes and habits. Perhaps we need to remember. What is this time of the year truly about? Who was that baby born in Bethlehem so long ago? Why does his birth make a difference? Who gets the glory for his birth? Why? How does his birth benefit human beings?
We certainly don’t need three ghosts to remind us, but perhaps a revisit to the Christmas story might be enough to let the sun shine through the clouds of commercialism and economic doubts.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Dear Father, we glorify you for our Savior. You deserve all the glory! Thank you for the peace that he gave through his birth, death, and resurrected life. He gave so generously! Enable us to follow his example. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today by remembering God’s glory and your peace,