Just A Thought

Our calendar declares the beginning of a new year. Dare we expect it to be a happy one? Pragmatic, realistic, honest, everyday people can’t help but wonder if the future will be bright. A steady bombardment of bad news, angry politics, and moral debauchery fan the flames of fear and worry. And, since we now live in such a small world, when bad things happen, even in remote places, the whole world watches and winces. Good news, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to travel as fast or get its share of the spotlight. As a result, one might feel dishonest proclaiming that the new year will be a happy one.

To complicate matters, many of us are not careful to appreciate the daily miracles and blessings God sends our way. For example, it is somehow easier to complain about the failures of our political leader, our boss or our family members than it is to celebrate their strengths and their positive impact on our lives. So, in a sub-conscious effort to protect our hearts and maintain emotional equilibrium, we often opt to expect bad things so we will not be disappointed when bad things happen. It simply takes more courage and energy to risk believing that good things are around the corner. In short, since it feels “safer” to fellowship with sorrow and pain rather than to hope for joy and progress, it might be that we - too easily - give up the happiness to which faith could lead us.

With all that said, I pose the questions: Is it realistic to believe for a Happy New Year? Are we “chumps” to anticipate good days ahead?

I think we would be chumps not to expect a happy new year. 2007 is a clean slate… a fresh piece of paper… a blank canvas… a new digital file! It has all the potential of a new job, a new semester, or a new house. We can all make a fresh start.

If you are skeptical or lack the courage to believe for a good year, maybe you would be interested in a little extra boost to help you tackle the coming year with optimism and hope; the kind of boost that even the disciples of Jesus needed. Jesus’ disciples are honored and respected for the positive impact they had on our world, but they, too, faced the dilemma you and I face. They wanted to believe in a bright future. They tried to live right and do right. But even Jesus disciples needed a little extra boost.

St. Peter might be the most prominent example. He was a blue collar worker who eventually became a great leader of first century church. This man loved Jesus. At one point he optimistically and boldly proclaimed that he would die for Christ. When Jesus was arrested, however, Peter cursed and denied that he knew Jesus. Then, along with most of the other disciples, Peter ran for his life when Jesus was crucified. While Jesus lay in the grave Peter was so disappointed that he decided to return to fishing. He believed, but he lacked courage.

Then came a fresh start. Jesus rose from the dead, commissioned his disciples and then told them to go to Jerusalem and wait for the power they would need to make the most of this fresh start. Acts chapter 2 records the event. Peter, the disciples, Jesus’ mother and those praying with them in the “upper room” were believers and followers of Christ, but on the Day of Pentecost He moved into their hearts and gave them power. They were baptized with the Holy Spirit. As a result, they spoke in other languages as the Spirit gave them utterance. Peter promised this same experience to “as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:39) This was the power to start fresh; the power to go forward in troubled times.

Maybe this is the kind of boost you need. If so, do what the first century Christians did: pray… wait on God… seek Him until He baptizes you with the Holy Spirit. He will empower you so you can sit up on January 1st, stretch and proclaim: “Good morning 2007, with God’s help, I just know this is going to be a Happy New Year!”

Tis the season to proclaim “Happy Holidays!” What, exactly, does that mean? Is it an expression used to skirt the use of words like “Christmas” or “Easter?” Is it an expression that means: “enjoy laying around, watching football, and eating too much?” Or, could it be a meaningful and inspirational expression?

A simple exploration of any dictionary or lexicon will reveal that the word “holiday” originated from the two words “holy” “days.” These holy days were days set aside to commemorate holy events such as the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The fact that most Americans still celebrate these holy days in some fashion gives hope that there are still a few days left in the year that could be dedicated to making the world a better place.

Many ideas may spring to mind when something is referred to as holy. For believers, the word “holy” triggers thoughts of a wonderful, loving God and all His attributes. But, what makes a day holy? How does our Holy God convey his love and goodness to mankind?

The answer to these questions is demonstrated in the life of Christ. He loved mankind so much that He “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:7-8 KJV) Jesus’ contemporaries didn’t understand Him because He didn’t seem religious enough. He was a bit short on pomp and ritual. His brand of “holy” entailed healing the sick and eating with publicans and sinners. Isn’t it true that his actions prove that the holiness of God is not best demonstrated through religious activity, but through expressions of love and kindness?

We need times of corporate worship and prayer, but then we need to take it to the streets. Believers celebrate the love of God by sharing His love. The holidays are not meaningful because gifts are received, games are played, and stomachs are stuffed. Holidays are meaningful because they are days set aside to pause and reflect on the love of God and then spread it around as far as it will go.

During the holidays it is so heartening to see people retain the spirit of the season. Churches and non-profit organizations are to be commended for the practical ways in which they reach out to others during the holidays. We should all be grateful for the people in our lives who make an extra effort during this time of the year to facilitate family gatherings and celebrations that promote love. There is nothing more holy that a loving family, or a gift given to a stranger. No one could be given a more holy gift than the gift of forgiveness or reconciliation. When a family gathers together to give gifts and break bread, it can be a time of healing and restoration – that’s what Jesus brought to earth on the first Christmas. We are never more like Christ, or more holy, than when we are kind to a stranger, pray for the sick, visit those in prison, or communicate our love to a family member. Those are the kinds of activities that make a day “holy.”

I pray more and more people will recognize the value of keeping the “holy” in the holidays. Your actions will determine just how meaningful the greeting “happy holidays” can be. I trust the Christmas holidays will be bright spot in your life and in the lives of those you touch. Happy Holy Days!

In the spirit of the holidays Acts II Ministries is offering a free CD of Christian contemporary Christmas music to anyone who sends an email to webmaster@ActsII.org. When emailing, please provide a name and mailing address.

‘Twas the very first Christmas, we were far from our house,
The creatures were stirring round me and my spouse;
In hopes that Jesus, soon would be there.
My wife was in labor, just straw for her bed,
While visions of better times danced in her head.
She shifted uncomfortably to lessen her plight,
We knew to get ready for a long, painful night.

When out in the sky there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the floor to see what was the matter;
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
The moon was now dim by the light that did show,
The night was as bright as the sun on the snow,
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a magnificent choir with words of great cheer!

About a Great Savior, the angels did sing;
I knew then that Jesus really was King.
The message was clear and it rang like a bell
O’ver village and mountain and meadow and dale.
Now Bethlehem, now Judah, now Israel, please listen!
Hear shepherds, hear wise men, hear the voices of heaven!
From the top of the world we have heard a great call
To look in a manger; to look in a stall.

As white sand that before the tornado flies
When it goes with such force, straight up in the sky,
So into the darkness the chorusers flew
Singing immortal words, to me and to you.
And then in a twinkling I heard, with great joy,
The cooing and crying of a sweet baby boy!
As I drew in my head and was turning around,
I saw a sweet face, so precious and round;

He was bound up with swaddling from his head to his feet;
As I looked at our Savoir my heart skipped a beat!
We knew he would carry the world on his back,
That love, joy and peace would come from His sack.
His eyes, how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, His countenance was cheery;


But that was before his great miracles and fame;
I cringe when I think how they defiled his name!
From the stump of a tree He would, then, grit his teeth,
And the thorns would encircle his head like a wreath;
On the cross His broad shoulders and torn, bleeding belly
Would tremble and shake as he suffered so horribly!
He would hang there and die as a man in disgrace,
But, His death would save millions throughout time and space.

As He twitched, and He blinked, blood stinging His eyes,
He said “Father forgive them,” and looked to the skies.
When led to the cross, he had said not a word’
He knew the message still hadn’t been heard!
So with ultimate love, with undeserved grace,
He gave us the meaning - of Christmas and peace!
Few went to the manger though bade from the sky;
Will you, too, ignore Him - the one who would die?

I hope that you’ve noticed the light in the night’
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!