No Husband Left Behind
HIM & HER — Together (on the Same Page)
[Challenge]
Celebrating the Holiday Season
As we recall fond memories from previous holiday celebrations, let us look forward to a new season of giving and sharing. May we always celebrate the gift of our Lord Jesus, who willingly offered to pay our debts to Father God in full. Now we embrace the Love of God with such passion and zeal, wanting others to also come to know the joy which Christmas brings.
[Salvation]
Our Awesome Heavenly Father constructed an incredible plan, giving salvation from sin and death, and replaced with eternal life with Him in Heaven. For so many, this almost sounds “too good to be true”. Of course, I understand why some people struggle with offering themselves “entirely” to Him, even at Christmas time.
Let us willingly set aside some time this week to really reflect on what Jesus came in to the world to accomplish. The Bible teaches that He came to “destroy the works of the devil”. It also reveals our Lord Jesus to be “the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world”. Hopefully you are one of those who have already decided to accept God’s forgiveness, and now live passionately for Him the rest of your life.
As a Christian, I realize you have heard the gospel (good news) about Jesus coming to Earth to set us free from the destructive consequences of sin. As you celebrate this holiday season, look to the One who created you and your spouse with a “free will to decide between good and evil”. Then, He even offered to pay “the debt” associated with each of us who foolishly went down “the wrong path”. So grateful “the Good Shepherd” came after me. How about you?
[Time]
Christmas has become a time for giving and receiving of gifts or “presents”. Learning to offer something of value to another person can be a beautiful thing. What are you planning to do for your other half during this “season of giving”?
In addition to giving, Christmas is also an incredible time for celebrating. As believers, we celebrate our Lord Jesus first and foremost. Please also feel free to celebrate life, especially eternal life which He brings to all those who follow Him. Are you excited about celebrating with other Christians across the globe this year?
Our Savior has also given us this time for saying “thanks”. When was the last time you thanked our Awesome God for providing a way for you to be forgiven, with your sins paid in full? Christmas should cause every one of God’s children to really “offer sincere prayers from the heart”.
[Sharing]
As mentioned, Christmas is an exciting time of giving, celebrating, and thanking God for His awesome gift. You and the love of your life will hopefully have many reasons to enjoy the Christmas holiday season. Maybe your excitement should not remain all bottled up, as family and friends should hear your testimony of God’s goodness to you.
Who do you know personally who has not yet embraced the Love of God? Maybe someone in your family or community who has not really come to understand that God is the very essence of “Love” and “Life”. Perhaps you should tell someone who needs to hear that our Creator loves every human being, none of us should feel distanced or isolated from His Love and forgiveness.
Lastly, Christmas can be a great time for reconciliation. Do you need to resolve something between you and another person? Have you been withholding forgiveness from someone who has offended or hurt you in the past? Remember to also “forgive yourself” this holiday season. May none of us ever forget “the reason for the season” is Jesus Christ. Accept nothing short of His very best.
From one who forever remains…
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo
Christian Community for Married Men and Women — (Knights) & (Damsels)