You Can Sit Down Now.

I’ve been thinking about those last words from the cross, “It is finished.”  There’s a sweet thought – the word of redemption is finished.  Charles Wesley wrote, ”Love’s redeeming work is done, fought the fight, the battle won.” 

But do we really believe that?  Vain people that we are, we like to think that there is something we need to do to make redemption complete, as though God needs our help.  But no help is needed.  The work of redemption is done.  It’s not up to us to settle accounts with God; the account has already been settled.  There’s nothing you have to do.  It is finished.

You and I are not as important as we think.  No matter what one has accomplished in this life, the attendance at one’s funeral will still be determined by the weather.  Hebrews 10:12 says, “When Christ had offered up for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.”  He sat down because his work was done. 

The best thing we can do right now, is to sit down and be grateful that the work of salvation is done.  Stop striving.  God will have his way with this wayward world.  The war is won.  The debt is paid.  We can sit down now.  It is finished. 

Are u Dreading a Christmas Financial Burden?

A recent Think Finance poll showed that 45% of Americans would rather SKIP CHRISTMAS because of the financial stress and strain on their precarious finances.  They do not expect to have enough money to cover holiday expenses, which is understandable when you consider how many people live paycheck to paycheck.  Thus many are seeking ways to spend less during the holidays.  So I’d like to offer a few ways to limit or reduce your holiday expenses.

To get a handle on how much you spend on the holidays, make a list of those you give presents to and other holiday expenses, that shows about how much you spend on each.  Add up the total, and compare it to the funds you will have available.  Try to reduce or avoid charging things on your credit card.

Could you explain to some of those whom you usually give to, that you’re struggling financially or had unexpected bills, and plan a more modest Christmas?  They would understand if you could not afford to give them a gift. 

Consider an alternative such as a homemade gift or a card with a note about why that person means so much to you or what you appreciate about her.  Could you give him a dozen homemade cookies or another baked item? 

Read the Bible’s warnings about taking on debt in Proverbs 22:7, 26-27 and Deuteronomy 15:6.  Then refuse to feel guilty about not being able to give someone an expensive gift or perhaps any gift. 

Ask yourself if everyone on your list actually needs a gift?  Perhaps you could make a gift to a charity or ministry in someone’s name, instead of giving a gift.  About 7 years ago, my in-laws told their large family that they were going to use the money they’d used for Christmas gifts in the past, to support a mission project that Dad was involved in.  We felt good because we knew that those who were blessed through the mission project, needed the help much more than we family members did.  Could you do something like this?

Most importantly, focus on the MEANING of the Christmas season.  Picture the nativity scene with the poor shepherds and Mary and Joseph who were also poor.  The innkeeper was the only one with money, but was overwhelmed by his business.  The point is that Christmas is NOT primarily about money or things.  Everyone focused on the CHRIST-CHILD in the manger.  Christ-followers today need to focus on the same Christ-Child.

When your holiday financial burden is reduced, you’ll feel much more peace and joy.