tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25630099329551919162012-02-16T11:00:09.704-08:00Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909903429078054912noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2563009932955191916.post-43543885975403062007-12-18T05:03:00.000-08:002007-12-18T05:30:00.348-08:00Due to my misunderstanding, I thought my blog was being removed, but as it turns out, it isn't. I enjoy doing this blog (only one I have) and desire to communicate with you the things going on in my personal life.<br /><br />Wow, what a performance Sunday evening by the adult choir! God was glorified and lifted up, while each who attended was blessed beyond measure. The weather kept many away but God can and will receive the victory even through the weather.<br /><br />Isn't it strange that so many people get stressed out during one of the meaningful times of the year for Christians? I often thought about why and how to prevent this from happening but have never really got a good feel for the cause. Some call it compounding stress on stress; a busy and complicated lifestyle that gets stretched even further because of the demands of the season. Some conclude that idealism is the cause, with the fond memories of Christmas' past and attempting to duplicate the feelings of those precious times.<br /><br />Whatever the reason for the negative thoughts, there are some things that we might do to remedy the feelings, if experienced.<br /> 1. We can't go back and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">duplicate</span> experiences and situations. Each experience is unique<br /> unto themselves.<br /> 2. The birth of Christ is timeless and the impact of Christ is impacting enough to be<br /> fresh each season. The message and the words may be the same, but the meaning<br /> surpasses the words spoken. (the old Gospel story is new every year<br /><br />Today, as you approach the last minute shopping and preparations for the celebration of the birth of God's Son, let the focus be on the meaning of Christmas and not the gifts or circumstances that we find ourselves faced with this season.<br /><br />It's easy for me to say because Mary Beth and I celebrated Christmas with our family last night with our entire family. What a glorious time, even though it's a week before Christmas, and Mary Beth and I will spend Christmas quietly and alone. This doesn't sound ideal but it doesn't matter, we celebrated the birth of God's Son with our family. The date doesn't matter, neither does the time, but the true meaning of the birth of God's Son!<br /><br />Kaycee Wolf says "absolutely"<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2563009932955191916-4354388597540306?l=pastorjimvest.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909903429078054912noreply@blogger.com1