A Perfect Fit

Christmas is approaching and many people may feel as I do; so many delicious foods and I have little or no willpower.

They are just tantalizing me. How can I possibly refuse to eat I’ll diet another day.

As the holidays approach, I know that Christmas isn’t all about food, gifts, parties or clothes; it’s all about Christ!

I truly do want to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and focus on becoming more like Him. That’s what all Christians should do. But, how can I do that, and what must I do?

The book of Colossians, in chapter 3 verses 1-4, gives us some very practical instructions as to what we must do.

So, if you’re serious about living this new life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ – that’s where the action is. See things from His perspective. (The Message by Eugene Peterson)

You might ask, does this mean I can’t have fun, go to parties, and give gifts? How about other things, things that represent Christmas to me?

As we look further into Colossians 3, we see that Paul describes what a Christian must be doing.

Don’t lie to one another.

You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve striped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with His label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete.

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense.

Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. (The Message by John Peterson)

The Perfect Garment

Have you ever gone shopping, hoping to find the perfect garment You perhaps, may go from store to store looking for the perfect one. We want the one that flatters our figure, the perfect color to complement our complexion, and something that’s not too short or too long. And, let’s not forget about the price…we also want the perfect price.

We must also be active in putting on our new wardrobe. We must take care of our new garment properly, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions. We mustn’t throw it down or let it get dirty and wrinkled. No, our new wardrobe must last a very long time.

Just as consciously as we say no to a second helping of chocolate cake, so we must also consciously follow the instructions given to us in the previous verses.

Put on the wardrobe God has given

As we put on the new wardrobe God has given us, let’s remember, our new garments are never to large or too small. They are always perfect, designed just for us with the most prestigious label imaginable. The label reads; Made Just For You. With Love, Jesus.

Now that is a true Christmas gift. Christmas really is all about Christ.