From: "Beverly French" <frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us>
To: "Barbara Warren" <bjw18@csufresno.edu>
Subject: Blessings to All
Date: Sunday, December 12, 1999 8:45 AM

Christmas preparations are now in full swing with cooking, shopping, gathering with family and friends, gift wrapping and all that goes along with what the season has become.  Here and there we are remined that "Jesus is the reason for the season"; on lapel pins, a few posters and greeting cards.  As Christians,  born from above Believers, let us never be ones that need to be reminded.  For Christ Jesus is our very life and all that the world offers or demands can never have priority.  
 
Take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.  We celebrate the coming to earth of the very Son of God.  A babe, born into humanity.  

"...Although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, but stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being."   Philippians 2:6-7 Amplified

He came to redeem man, to pay the sin debt, that we might be reconciled to God.
"The wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23a  This Babe whose birth we celebrate came into this world to die that man might live, "...the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." 6:23b.

Jesus is the true gift of Christmas.  Let us celebrate Christmas in such a way that our lives will express the very Peace and Joy that is Christ!  Let us live in such a way that our lives are a testamony of the Living Lord.

How wonderfully gracious and good is our Lord and God!  To Him belongs all glory and praise! 
 
"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Thy throne;
 Lovingkindness and truth go before Thee.
 How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
 O Lord, they walk in the light of Thy countenance.
 In Thy name they rejoice all the day,
 And by Thy righteousness they are exalted.
 For Thou art the glorly of their strength...,
 For our shield belongs to the Lord..."  Psalm 89:14-18