With threats of war, increasing outbreaks of violence and disease, times of financial insecurity, and all forms of darkness the Christmas season can be one of the most difficult for us as Christians. Perhaps more than at any other time the world flings its spirit at us enticing us to indulge ourselves. "Eat, drink, and be merry" it tells us and we rush along in a series of frenzied activities. Sometimes the only thing that distinguishes us from the world is that we do it all in the name of Jesus. It's no wonder we often come away exhausted, disappointed, perhaps even spiritually disillusioned more at this time of year than any other.

What is the remedy? The same as it was on the first Christmas we must see Jesus. But we cannot physically see Him as the shepherds and wise men did. So what does it mean to us right now that Jesus came to earth? Of course we would have no salvation were it not for His coming. But today He wants to shine and illumine our personal areas of darkness with a lot more than twinkling lights and tinsel. I would like to remind you of something very precious to treasure and ponder in your heart this Christmas. Did you ever stop to think that the great risen and glorified King is still a servant that He is not sitting in heaven reveling in His glory but is still seeking to wash our feet and pour Himself out for us? He is Jesus Christ our High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for us! And His greatest desire is that we receive Him and His service to us. How often do we run frantically trying to find ways to serve Him? But no service of our own can ever be truly fruitful if we have not first learned to be fully served by Him.

And what is it Jesus wants to do for us? He wants to bring us to the very special place He prepared for us to see Him in our day which is the throne of grace. Here he dispenses mercy and grace to all who come to Him for help in time of need. The book of Hebrews tells us many times that because He actually came to earth and lived as a man (because of Christmas) He is perfectly able to help us at all times. But how many times do we fail to come to Him this way? For it means we must first see and acknowledge our constant need and face up to our own weakness and impotence.

For many years I served God my own way in my own strength. I thought having received His salvation was enough and now it was up to me to serve Him. There were many years of wood, hay and stubble for I did not know I had no resources of my own. Thank God Jesus' ministry did not end at Calvary. For He knew we would always need His prayers and help. Oh how precious to meet Him in His meekness and humility to see Him as King yet servant of all. Nothing pleases Him more than to pour Himself out for us and pour His life into us as we cry out to Him. Then our real service becomes a natural outflow of having received His ongoing ministry to us.

This last month has been one of the hardest I've known. I've lost my bearings amid physical suffering and attacks of self will and pity that I thought were behind me. I have keenly felt my failure, weakness and helplessness. But the birth of Jesus has meant ever so much more to me as I have found Him ever present as my High Priest and let Him minister to me right where I am, not trying to pull myself together before coming to Him, but realizing that only He can pull me together at all.

It is our prayer that Christmas will not be an escape for you from the pressures and uncertainties of life or even just celebration of a historical event, but that each and every day you will hear Him say, "Today is the day of salvation" and that you will see Jesus as you come boldly to the throne of grace and receive the help of your God. We cannot please, or honor, or serve Him better than to receive Him in this way. Amid all the man made lights of the Christmas season, may He be born anew in each of us so that His manifested life which is the real Light may shine through us. We love you and wish you the greatest blessings of this Christmas season.