As my family and I were leaving Fredericksburg the other day something interesting caught my eye as we approached the end of the Rappahannock River bridge. Off in the distance to the right stood a church steeple, white and perfectly nestled back in the trees, yet high enough on the hillside that it was perfectly visible for all to see. I had noticed it before, however now I felt as though it calling out to me...
It wasn't too very long ago at the age of about 10 or 11 that I remember witnessing similar churches in my home town of South Boston, Va. Many of those churches still stand today, but not as bold as they once were. See I remember back then and how those church steeples towered over most of the area. Those massive giants looked down upon us all and could be seen from quite some distance away. From anywhere within about a mile or more radius one could hear those thundering bells ringing out like John the Baptist, as if to say - "I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.'" ~ John 1:23. Yet now, the bells are silent....and most are all but forgotten.
And then along comes Christmas. That time of year, that now has become just another Holiday. A day where we speak of what is on our "Christmas lists", and then cringe as we venture off to find those special items to fill someone else's. We decorate our home's with lights and then travel around to visit with friends and families in search of the most festive party. Our kid's await the arrival of a man in jolly red suit, with tiny little reindeer in hopes of getting the gift of their dreams. But didn't they already get that gift a long time ago....
Can you hear the bells??? Fading, fading, fading.
That ultimate gift, that gift of grace. Given once for all. Isn't that what this so called holiday was meant to be all about. We once called it CHRISTmas, but where has Christ been placed in it all. Didn't this all start as a celebration of His birth...to honor Him....to show reverence and thankfulness for the one TRUE gift, which is our salvation, through God's Grace in Christ's death and resurrection? Like that old church bell ringing on the hillside that has gradually faded away, can you see the true message of Christmas fading.
If so, what are we called to do about it? I believe we are being called to be that colossal steeple on the hill, tall and bright....ringing the bells of salvation and giving an account of God's grace upon us. "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...~ 1 Ptr 3:15. Tell your neighbors, tell your friends, tell the world, that Jesus CHRIST loves them and that is why this holiday is called CHRISTmas. Explain to them how He loves you, and how He had mercy on you [Mark 5:19]. Share with them the gift that will last a life time. Share the gift of salvation!!!
My Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I pray that each of us will be bold this Christmas. Bold enough, to share...bold enough, to stand in the face of adversity and present our testimony on the gift you gave us. Help us all to be that steeple on the hill. Let our bells ring loud and clear, bringing glory and honor to your kingdom. Forever and ever. AMEN!!!
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