March 20, 2008:Traditions	Just a few more weary days and then... I'll fly away... And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
	December 29, 2007:New Year's 2008
	November 3, 2007:How To Be Successful in Christian Ministry
	October 23, 2007:Salmon

A Christmas Note William H. Haller

In wondering about what to say about Christmas, I came up with the following. We are encouraged to "Put Christ back into Christmas or to take the X out of Xmas". That's generally considered a noble thought and would be a good starting point. But I think that Christ would rather not be bottled up into a single day. Let's put Christ back into our personal and our family life every day of the year and not just remember Him on Christmas and Easter or if He's really lucky on Sunday mornings as well. Try putting Him in charge for a while and see if you aren't better off for it. We are celebrating the birth of the King, after all.

If you don't have a church home, this is a good time to start attending. Churches put their best foot forward on Christmas. Pray about where you should go. Open up the phone book. Do a web search. Pray some more. Let the Spirit of God speak to you and direct your path to where you need to be. If you've taken the time to pray and listen and then follow through, you will probably feel right at home where you end up. If you don't, please remember that everyone is rushed at this time of year and give things a chance to settle down after the start of the year instead of making a snap judgment. If you didn't pray and listen or made your own choice anyway, and the Spirit is saying that this is the wrong place, then go back to step one and try again. Don't give up until God has you where He wants you.

If you have been in church a long time, ask what God wants you to do for Him this year, and try to make it happen. It may not be easy; it may take a large time commitment; it may make you uncomfortable at times; it may be something completely different than you have ever done before. God uses whoever He has available to Him to do His work. Too often, the young gung-ho Christians are recruited to do things they aren't ready to do, simply because the older Christians feel they have done enough over the years and can't be bothered anymore. It's time to start working for Him again. Think of all He did for you. Can you do less?

The time left on earth will prove to be short for many around you. Your time may even be short, whether you know it or not. Make a decision today to start living as a Christian should live. Don't put off till tomorrow and miss the opportunities God is giving you to share Christ's sacrifice with someone today. Start making a difference in your home or with your relatives, co-workers, fellow students, neighbors and church.