It's Christmas!

Can you believe it? It's Christmas--again! Time seems to be flying. There are times of year that makes us tremble because of how fast it seems time moves. It seems like yesterday almost that we were shopping and singing carols and wrapping gifts. But, in reality, it has been a whole year. We are once again at the highest Christian season where we reflect on the coming of our Savior into the world.

It is always a challenge to stay focused on Christ at Christmas. Everything else seems to offer such stiff competition for the top spot. Decorating, shopping, cooking and eating and so much more tend to overshadow the real meaning of the Christmas.

That's why I'm preaching a special series of sermons on the theme: "Images of Christ in Christmas." It is my goal to present the authentic Christ who stands at the heart of Christmas. So many people have viewed Christ from perspectives that are tainted and distorted. These erroneous images have left us with a sad view of the Savior who is so weak that he cannot be the Christ of Scripture.

Jesus Christ is Lord! That should be declared this season and every season. He alone is worthy of praise and honor. To have Christmas without a focus on Christ is an empty experience. No matter how many gifts we give or receive, no matter how many lights we hang or ornaments we display, to miss Christ is to miss Christmas!

What would you offer as a plan to keep Christ at the center of Christmas? What has worked for you? How could your strategy be a blessing to others? There's seemingly a plethora of challenges facing the people of God this time of year. It is my prayer that God will give us strength and power and we commit to God's will for our lives.

Pastor E.L. Branch