HAPPY HOLIDAYS?

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At our church, Central Baptist in Ashland, KY, we had a Thanksgiving Dinner back in November with a great turn out; shortly after, we all celebrated Thanksgiving Day; then began Sunday morning sermons that shared the Gospel Of Christ through segments of the Biblical "Christmas Story" that lasted all through December; in mid-December we had a "Church Christmas Party", again with a great turn out; on December 18th, during the Sunday Morning Worship Service, we had a very special "Christmas Singspiration Service", with some wonderful Spirit-filled presentations of worship to our Almighty God and our Savior Jesus Christ; throughout December the Church Choir sang some beautiful anthems that highlighted God's Wonderful Gift in the Baby Jesus (Thanks to Richard Shields!); we also had some fantastic solo offerings of praise to our King (Thanks to Mark Sluss!); the Youth had several special Christmas events throughout December; our annual tradition of the "Christmas Card Box" was a success again, with many people exchanging Christmas cards with others within the church family; we had Christmas Sunday Sunday School and Morning Worship, that was truly a blessing for all those who attended; we have planned a New Year's Eve Prayer Service, as we pray in the New Year with an early hour-long meeting -- this is something new for CBC; and we will have Sunday School and Morning Worship on New Year's Day.

All of these activities throughout the season, from Thanksgiving to New Years Holidays, are very nice, exciting, enjoyable, and full of spiritual blessings; but is this what makes this time of the year -- "HAPPY HOLIDAYS"???

This entire time of the year -- this "Holiday Season" should be based completely around and on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!! For this is the ONLY way that this season can be truly "HAPPY"!!!!! Does this mean that we have to ignore completely the traditions of Santa Clause, exchnaging gifts, Christmas tress, decorating houses, inside and out, special activities, special displays, dinners and parties, etc., etc.??? NO! Not as long as we include Jesus Christ in EVERYTHING THAT WE DO!!! JESUS SHOULD ALWAYS BE THE REASON FOR EVERYTHING THAT WE DO ALL YEAR LONG ANYWAY!!!!!!!!

So when individuals say to us on the streets and in the stores, "Happy Holidays", we shouldn't get angry, up;set, frustrated, or all "religious"; we should just respond with, "Yes, it is Happy Holidays because Jesus Christ has been a part of every area of our celebration! In fact, Jesus Christ is Who we are celebrating throughout the holidays, therefore, how could they not be 'HAPPY'"!?!?!?!

If we will just include Jesus Christ in every area of our lives, every day of our lives, as children of God -- we would discover that our lives will be happier and more joyous, as we live our lives righteous and holy, obeying and pleasing God!!

Have your holidays been "happy"?? Has your year been "happy"?? Has your life been "happy"?? If your answer is "no" to any of those questions, then you either need to ask God to check your life and heart and see if there is any evil or unrighteous way in you; or you need to ask Jesus Christ into your heart and life as your PERSONAL SAVIOR AND LORD (not accepting a "religion", but accepting "Christ") and allow Him to change your life for eternity!!!

So if you are offended by the phrase "Happy Holidays" this time of the year, consider looking at it from a different perspective; realize that it is a terrific opportunity to witness for Jesus, as well as an opportunity to begin including Christ in EVERYTHING you do, therefore allowing this "Holiday Season" to truly be your personal "HAPPY HOLIDAYS"!!!!!

Merry CHRISTmas, Happy New Year, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!
GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!
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