Don't Forget Just Because It is Christmas
We finished our study on Ephesians in church today and Pastor Ira did a great job wrapping it all up. I was privileged to be able to preach/teach along side of 2 of my dearest sisters in church last week and the week before last. Pastors Jodi Van Rhee and Kuulei Lee. I love, admire, and respect these 2 ladies deeply. They have shown so much love to my family, not just on Sundays, but beyond the church walls and service times. We discussed with the church what God has shown and taught us about the full or whole armor of God as stated in Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
This passage is so rich in message and imagery, we could have spent many more hours, if we had the time. I just wanted to follow up with some more thoughts on the topic now that we are entering the "holiday season." Jesus loved parties. He performed his first miracle at a party. [John 2:1-11] He hung out with society's undesirables, like myself, at parties. He even made one of them a disciple. [Matt 9:9-13]. I am sure He does not mind that His people celebrate His birthday. (Just as an aside, this is not a Jesus is the Reason... protest blog post, so please don't be disappointed by that.)
By now you are asking yourself, I hope, what has this got to do with the full armor? Well, while He does not mind us celebrating, Jesus Christ still wants us to make sure we have donned our armor along with our merry apparel. Satan does not take a break for the holidays and nor should we. We get caught up though, don't we, myself included, in all the busyness of it. We tend to let down our guard. Surely Satan would not attack during Christmas?! He has, does, and will. What better time to attack? He will use family, friends, and strangers to do so. He will use every tool he has at hand. We are still dwelling in the flesh and we still have a sin nature. Along with the Fa la la la's we get upset by the unfulfilled wants or the need to impress or the desire to give "good gifts." etc. We get annoyed by the hustle, bustle, and often rudeness of other shoppers. Even more than that people are more lonely this time of year. Depression and suicide are higher this time of year. Satan is a liar and a murderer. Why would we think that has changed? Because it's Christmas?
So go ahead and put your elfy slippers on over the hobnailed shoes of the Gospel of peace. Decorate your shield of faith with a Nativity scene. Put lights on your helmet of salvation, Garland your belt of truth, pull that once a year gaudy, hideous, but fun sweater over your breastplate of righteousness and candy cane your sword of the Spirit. (My apologies to Kuulei for the order of the armor). But do not forget to put them on every day. You will enjoy the celebration even more because you will stand firm in the power of God, Satan will not be able to spoil it, and the love of Christ will shine brightly in reflection from your whole armor to the whole world (John 3:16). Then they too, can celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with you.
This passage is so rich in message and imagery, we could have spent many more hours, if we had the time. I just wanted to follow up with some more thoughts on the topic now that we are entering the "holiday season." Jesus loved parties. He performed his first miracle at a party. [John 2:1-11] He hung out with society's undesirables, like myself, at parties. He even made one of them a disciple. [Matt 9:9-13]. I am sure He does not mind that His people celebrate His birthday. (Just as an aside, this is not a Jesus is the Reason... protest blog post, so please don't be disappointed by that.)
By now you are asking yourself, I hope, what has this got to do with the full armor? Well, while He does not mind us celebrating, Jesus Christ still wants us to make sure we have donned our armor along with our merry apparel. Satan does not take a break for the holidays and nor should we. We get caught up though, don't we, myself included, in all the busyness of it. We tend to let down our guard. Surely Satan would not attack during Christmas?! He has, does, and will. What better time to attack? He will use family, friends, and strangers to do so. He will use every tool he has at hand. We are still dwelling in the flesh and we still have a sin nature. Along with the Fa la la la's we get upset by the unfulfilled wants or the need to impress or the desire to give "good gifts." etc. We get annoyed by the hustle, bustle, and often rudeness of other shoppers. Even more than that people are more lonely this time of year. Depression and suicide are higher this time of year. Satan is a liar and a murderer. Why would we think that has changed? Because it's Christmas?
So go ahead and put your elfy slippers on over the hobnailed shoes of the Gospel of peace. Decorate your shield of faith with a Nativity scene. Put lights on your helmet of salvation, Garland your belt of truth, pull that once a year gaudy, hideous, but fun sweater over your breastplate of righteousness and candy cane your sword of the Spirit. (My apologies to Kuulei for the order of the armor). But do not forget to put them on every day. You will enjoy the celebration even more because you will stand firm in the power of God, Satan will not be able to spoil it, and the love of Christ will shine brightly in reflection from your whole armor to the whole world (John 3:16). Then they too, can celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with you.
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