Christmas Thoughts

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation…all things were created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:15-16

While contemplating what to write about Christmas this year, my head could not hold a thought long enough to capture the words. The mind would go from blank to overload, and than tilt to empty again. So, I reviewed past written material to help me focus. Then smiled.

Below is a link to eighteen Christmas messages from prior years. They are as relevant today as when I wrote them. Collectively, they espouse the reason for the season.  

https://radicalinchrist.com/category/christmas/

Hopefully, one of them will spark your spirit this x-mas season.

Merry Christmas!

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats:
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When Goodness Shows Up

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, HE saved us… And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”   Titus 3:4, 8

What is good?

How do you determine something as good?

Is it your opinion? Or if something impacts you as harmful, then does the opposite identify good for you?

Is goodness a human construct or a prior existing condition?

Some two thousand years ago, when Caesar Augustus reign the Roman empire, a baby was born. There were many babies birth at this time, but no other who was to fulfill the Jewish Messiah prophecy. For goodness entered the world in the most humblest way. His name given to HIM via a vision from an angel was Jesus. He grew in wisdom and in stature in favor of God and man until around the age of thirty (Luke 2:52, 3:23). He then made his public appearance.

Goodness full of grace, truth, and light (Jn.1:1-18). Yes, goodness came into the world but the world didn’t recognize HIM. HE manifested his goodness with everyone HE met. HE healed the sick. HE elevated the Law. HE emphasized its purpose for everyday living and not for religious appearance. HE taught truth with authority. HE revealed HIS Father God to others. HE introduced and made available HIS kingdom to the masses. HE lived out HIS life fulfilling Messianic prophecies. He crossed all the “T’s” and dotted all the “I’s” to fulfill the written Word.

Then goodness made the ultimate sacrifice. HE gave HIMSELF as the Lamb of God. HE joined humanity and then brought humanity into the divine fold. HIS life, death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven paved the way. All for you and I to enjoy HIS goodness now and forever.

Yes, goodness is the character of God. HE bestows goodness wherever HE goes. HE imparts goodness in whatever HE does. HE created humanity and said it was very good. HE created the world and said it was very good (Gn. 1:31). HE implemented HIS macro-plan for you and I and like everything HE does, it is good.

If you want to enjoy the good things in life, align yourself with goodness. HIS name is Jesus. HE will educate you, train you, and bring you into your promise land. It will be the most adventurous and romantic story of your life.

For Goodness wants to share HIMSELF with you and others. Until then, you are only grabbing at imaginary straws. Trying to find the good life without a proven compass makes the journey unproductive.

HE is the real McCoy. HE is goodness. HE exemplifies goodness. He shares goodness. He trains others in goodness. HE is the source of all goodness. Yes, the X-mas season is a reminder of the goodness of God.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Christmas: Extravagant Gifts From God

Ephesians 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…

There are days I wake up and simply marvel in delight like a young boy on Christmas morning after opening the many gifts which have been waiting for him under the decorated tree. Which one do I focus on?

When I stop and begin to count the extraordinary blessings given to us by our Creator God, I am likewise gratefully in awe. In hindsight, those gifts were always there but not recognized until the time came for our eyes to be open, our heart to be captured, and our mind a blazed at the wonder of His generosity and personalized attention to details. He bestows upon us what we need when we need where we need how we need before we even know we need. He anticipates our every need and want before we even arrive to the moment or before we even ask him.

I’ve listed some of His gifts to us that crossed my mind today while reading the Book of Ephesians.

  • Chosen by God in Christ to be holy and blameless before Him (Eph. 1:4)
  • Adopted into His family (Eph 1:5)
  • Grace or unmerited favor overflowing upon us in Christ (Eph 1:6,8)
  • Redemption which means immediate, direct contact with Him (Eph 1:7)
  • Forgiveness of our sins (Eph 1:7)
  • Wisdom and insight into His plan for humanity (Eph 1:8,10)
  • Purposeful living (Eph 1:9)
  • Eternal inheritance (Eph 1:11)
  • Hope in Christ in everything we do (Eph 1:12)
  • Worship and praise the true God (Eph 1:12)
  • Sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13)
  • Guaranteed eternal life (Eph 1:14)
  • Knowledge of Jesus Christ and His significance (Eph 1:15-23)
  • Seated with Christ at His table (Eph 2:6)
  • God’s workmanship (Eph 2:10)
  • Peace in Christ (Eph 2:14)
  • Reconciled to God (Eph 2:16)
  • Citizens and Saints in God’s House (Eph 2:19)
  • Temple of God (Eph 2:22)
  • Boldness & Confidence (Eph 3:12)
  • Power through his Spirit (Eph 3:16)
  • Christ actively living in me (Eph 3:17)
  • Rooted and grounded in love (Eph 3:17)
  • Filled with the fullness of God (Eph 3:19)
  • Access to abundance (Eph 3:20)

You could easily add more to your personal list. But I am sure we can agree He is the most generous and caring Father none of us deserve but are grateful He is ours. 

I wish you and your family a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas!

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager, Faith-Integrator, Scribbler

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