Mid-City Christian: Pastorgraphs: “As much of God as You Want: A Christmas Meditation”

Monday, December 10, 2012

Pastorgraphs: “As much of God as You Want: A Christmas Meditation”

E-Vangel Newsletter

December 10, 2012

Pastorgraphs: “As much of God as You Want: A Christmas Meditation”

The world could only make room in a stable for the arrival of the greatest Christmas gift of all. That is so much like God. He doesn’t want to force His will upon anyone. He simply wants to offer His love freely to those who willingly wish to receive it; only as little or as much as each individual wants.

I recently overheard someone say, “God is too much a of a gentleman to barge into anyone’s life.” While that sounds polite, it is also true and very profound. That means God has already made the first move, and the proverbial ball is in our court. The consequences of our response have eternal significance.

The news this morning is filled with anxiety over the Mayan calendar running out (in just eleven more days– are you ready?), the sighting of ancient aliens disguised as UFOs, doomsday preppers, the calamities of climate change, solar flares and natural disasters, the “fiscal cliff” and the pure old meanness of homemade sin, greed and evil. The “peace on earth, good will to men” promised by the angels seems as remote as it has ever been.

But here is a secret. You can have as much peace, or as little, as you choose. It is directly linked to how much room you make for God’s gift of love in your life! You can park Him out back in the manger, or you can bring Him front-and-center into the very heart of your life. (God refuses to impose himself upon your busy schedule.)

This Christmas, with the very foundations of creation crumbling all around, I have more peace than ever. The reason is I have placed my hope and accepted the love of The Creator. (Repeat: “The Create-or”: the one who created all that is). Therefore, I need not fear anything created! Sure, there will be pain, sorrow, evil and even death in this world. Always has been; always will be until the Lord returns. But as the old hymn says, “I know Who holds the future, and I know Who holds my hand”.

As for me this Christmas season, I am receiving as much of God’s love as I expect and want. And that is all of it! I have Peace like a river in my soul. Making room for God’s Love is the only way to Peace on Earth.

So just in case the world ends on December 21, or we get gobbled up in a solar flare, or some little green men from Mars zap the earth into oblivion, or we plunge off the fiscal cliff never to be heard from again, let me wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.

I’ll see you on the other side, where The Creator has it all under control.

Bill

“Toys for Tots”

Christ Church will participate in “Toys For Tots” gift giving again this year. Our Toys for Tots will occur on Monday December 10 at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary. We have it on good authority Old Saint Nick himself will be present. For more information on giving and receiving toys, please call the church office, (619) 284-9205.

From the Quote Garden:

“Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.

To an opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart.

To a customer, service.

To all, charity.

To every child, a good example.

To yourself, respect.”

~ Oren Arnold ~

Christ United Methodist Ministry Center

“Christ in the Heart of San Diego”