Ben Thompson
Christmas thoughts
By Ben Thompson
Why is Christmas such a special time of year?
Why are Christians and non-Christians, alike, so profoundly touched by the Spirit of this season?
Conversely, why, in light of these deep feelings of joy and service to others, has Christmas become, for so many, a time of worldliness, selfishness, greed and unhappiness?
The Holy Scriptures tell us in John chapter one, verse nine, "That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
We commonly refer to this "Light," which is a reference to the Light of Christ, as our conscience, that voice, deep within of each of us, which helps us understand the difference between right and wrong.
Is it possible, and maybe even likely, that when we follow the dictates of our conscience faithfully, especially at Christmas time, it brings us joy and happiness and when we don't it brings us sadness and disappointment?
Why do different people respond to the same type of life challenges so differently? Why are these responses so magnified at Christmastime?
The Gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 12, further enlightens us, "I am the Light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life."
Do we bring the Light of Christ into our lives and the lives of others by doing good and serving others, especially those in need, and especially at this time of year, when we celebrated Christ's birth and life?
Was not Christ's life about serving others? He healed the sick, not only physically, but spiritually. He fed the hungry throngs, both with tangible bread and the spiritual bread of life. He gave His very life as a sacrifice for each of us, that we may enjoy, not only physical freedom, but, more importantly, spiritual freedom. John 8:36 teaches us, "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."
We celebrate Christ's birth, in part, because He was the ultimate example of what it means to truly love others and show that love by our deeds. Conversely, do we not bring sadness and unhappiness into our own lives and into the lives of those we love the most when we act contrary to the divine light within us?
Will not God bless our lives, when we are in the service of our fellow man, especially at this very wonderful time of year? Will He not bless us more abundantly, if, by our deeds, we served each other throughout the year?
© Ben Thompson
Why is Christmas such a special time of year?
Why are Christians and non-Christians, alike, so profoundly touched by the Spirit of this season?
Conversely, why, in light of these deep feelings of joy and service to others, has Christmas become, for so many, a time of worldliness, selfishness, greed and unhappiness?
The Holy Scriptures tell us in John chapter one, verse nine, "That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
We commonly refer to this "Light," which is a reference to the Light of Christ, as our conscience, that voice, deep within of each of us, which helps us understand the difference between right and wrong.
Is it possible, and maybe even likely, that when we follow the dictates of our conscience faithfully, especially at Christmas time, it brings us joy and happiness and when we don't it brings us sadness and disappointment?
Why do different people respond to the same type of life challenges so differently? Why are these responses so magnified at Christmastime?
The Gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 12, further enlightens us, "I am the Light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life."
Do we bring the Light of Christ into our lives and the lives of others by doing good and serving others, especially those in need, and especially at this time of year, when we celebrated Christ's birth and life?
Was not Christ's life about serving others? He healed the sick, not only physically, but spiritually. He fed the hungry throngs, both with tangible bread and the spiritual bread of life. He gave His very life as a sacrifice for each of us, that we may enjoy, not only physical freedom, but, more importantly, spiritual freedom. John 8:36 teaches us, "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."
We celebrate Christ's birth, in part, because He was the ultimate example of what it means to truly love others and show that love by our deeds. Conversely, do we not bring sadness and unhappiness into our own lives and into the lives of those we love the most when we act contrary to the divine light within us?
Will not God bless our lives, when we are in the service of our fellow man, especially at this very wonderful time of year? Will He not bless us more abundantly, if, by our deeds, we served each other throughout the year?
© Ben Thompson
The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates.
(See RenewAmerica's publishing standards.)
