Kingdom Christmas

The countdown to Christmas has officially started for me... I say that because I can't stand the stores that just blow by Thanksgiving and decorate before October is even over! If you stop and think about it, it kind of explains how our nation is in the difficult time it's in...

Angie and I took the weekend off, so it gave our family the opportunity to visit some friends who pastor as well. We had a blast and enjoyed the experience to be with them! They began their Christmas series entitled; A Kingdom Christmas, with the focus for the day on Humility.

Luke 2:6-7 "And while they were there the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them."

God Himself, came from heaven and this was His entrance. No big fan fair, no marching band, no fancy hotel or hospital, no kicking anyone out of their bed to make room for Him. It was humble, quiet, unsuspecting and very opposite to Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie with the birth of their babies! Not even a cute new baby GAP outfit to keep Him warm... just strips of cloth wrapped around Him to keep Him warm.

Instead of the normal Christmas list of presents and gifts that others could give to you, here's a different list for Christmas... (from Pastor Brian Dolleman)

How To Practice Humility

• give credit where credit is due
• don't name drop or experience drop to elevate yourself
• do what's expected and don't make a big deal about it
• do acts of service and generosity anonymously
• stop one-upping people and their experiences

God, you didn't just have a humble beginning and grow out of it, you lived an entire life of humility. I may have moments of humility, but I want to live a life of humility. Forgive me for my pride. I don't want to be clothed in awards and accomplishments, I want to be wrapped in Christ-likeness: gentle, kind, faith-filled, strength to be silent when I want to defend or fight. Let Jesus be birthed in me, made new again. Let me experience the simplicity of that first Christmas in my life.