‘Twas the Week Before Christmas

We are in the final seven days until Christmas. As we all spend time with people, let me share a passage from Jerry Bridge’s book, True Community. He has long been one of my favorite authors. This weekend I read these paragraphs and thought about the next few days before Christmas, our Christmas gatherings, and on to New Years. Here is Jerry Bridges on this Monday that ‘Twas the Week Before Christmas.

As we gather…

God did create men and women to be social creatures, to enjoy relationships with family and friends. We all recognize that the hermit is the rare exception. We feel sorry for the loner, whether on the job, in church, or at school. God created us to enjoy life, to engage in recreation, to have great fun. The old adage, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” is an accepted truism. We need relaxation, fun, and the purely social aspects of Christian fellowship.

…

Like every other activity in the Christian life, social interaction should have as its ultimate objective the glory of God. “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Keeping in mind this objective will help us plan our social activities in such a way that they contribute to the overall New Testament concept of fellowship.

In many of our Christian social activities, it is both appropriate and beneficial to turn our thoughts to spiritual values. Whatever form this spiritual dimension may take, whether informal testimonies and sharing or a preplanned “devotional,” there should be some natural and obvious correlation between the social and the spiritual aspects of the event. 

From Kevin

Jerry Bridges reminds us that social interaction is good and necessary. But, as we do, to make sure we keep our minds on the glory of God as well. When possible and natural, we turn our attention to God and His gifts. At Christmastime, it seems like a natural time to reflect on the gift of Jesus, the forgiveness He offers, and eternal life. Plus, to take a moment to reflect on all the other blessings we receive as well.

As we get together with family, friends, and coworkers, let’s seek to take a moment to reflect on the truest sense of Christmas.

Enjoy your final week before Christmas which begins today!

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