A Boastful Christmas Letter

 We’ve all received them.  The annual Christmas letter enclosed in a Christmas card.  It’s a letter that’s intended to update everyone on all the major events of the year (and sometimes even minor events).

More often than not, these letters only include the highlights of the year. They seldom share any of the low lights, the difficulties, and the challenges. They’re often so filled with “greatness,” that many Christmas letters leave us thinking, “I want their life.”  However, if we pause to remember that God has woven all circumstances into our lives, and that He uses all things for His glory and for our good, then we would never compare our lives to the highlights of a Christmas letter. 

A Boastful Christmas Letter From My Friend

It was quite a surprise last year when I opened a Christmas card from a friend. I expected a recap of her busy and fruitful year, but instead the letter she sent left me thinking less of her and more about someone else.  Her letter wasn’t written to share the events of her life with me. Instead, her letter was written FOR me and TO me (well, I suppose it was also written to everyone else who received it, but it sure seemed like it was written just for me).

My friend’s letter was a proclamation of truth and hope.  It was a reminder of all that we should think upon at Christmas and all that we should hold fast in the coming year.

Now don’t hear me wrong.  I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with a traditional Christmas letter, written as a way to share events of the past year with family and friends. It’s a great way to keep in touch. Plus, friends and family love to be informed.  I’m just saying this specific letter that I received was a true gift.  It blessed me and so I want to bless you by sharing it.  

Remember as you write your letter this year, and share the events of your year, to also include the most important event of all time.  And most importantly, include the most significant Person of all time–the One who holds our lives in His hands, the One in whom, on earth, we find peace.

My friend’s Christmas letter was very boastful….with joy in JESUS!  Read and Enjoy…

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 

/\
< ♥♥♥ >
¯\/¯
X✿X
X♥X
O__X(Ѽ)X_O
█_X*X✿*X_ █
XX♥X(Ѽ)♥XX
O__XX♥X✿X*X♥X*_O
█_XX(Ѽ)X*X♥X✿X_█
X*XX♥XX✿X(Ѽ)X*XXX
O__♥XXX✿XX♥XXX✿XXX*XXX_O
█_XX(Ѽ)♥X✿X(Ѽ)X♥X✿X*XX_█
XX✿XXX*XXXX✿XXX(Ѽ)XX✿XX
XX(Ѽ)XX✿X♥X(Ѽ)XXX✿X(Ѽ)XX
XXXXX

A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ   Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.

About Lent

***Lent: 40 Titles for 40 Days (Download NOW: 40 Titles for Lenten Devotions)
What is Lent? Should I Give Up Something? (Article and Video)
This Time Called Lent (Video)
Prepare for Lent (Video)
Lent Reflections (Video)
How Should You Observe Lent? (Article)
How Should You Observe Lent? (Reflect and Prepare short video)
Have You Sat At The Master’s Table? (John 13-17) 
What's Wrong with This FB Lenten Fast?

About Holy Week

Jesus’ Last Days Timeline: the Cross and the Resurrection

Palm Sunday
Blessed is the King -- A Palm Sunday video
Hosanna -- Palm Sunday (Jesus Wept) (video)
Walking with Jesus – Tested by the Chief Priests and Elders

The Last Supper
What is Maundy Thursday?  The Basin & The Towel
Maundy Thursday until Easter Sunday (video)
What’s your Judas experience? The Pain of Betrayal
What Do We Know about Judas? This Might Surprise You.
The Last Supper was NOT a Passover Seder?

Crucifixion Day
Was Jesus crucified on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
Thursday Crucifixion? Do these two reasons “nail” it?
Why do we call it good [Friday]?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
How is Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the Crimson Worm? A Remez In Psalm 22?
Who do you need to reconcile with today?
Who Killed Jesus?
Since Jesus was the Passover LAMB, Why Didn't God Provide a Lamb in Genesis 22?
Did Pilate Proclaim Jesus to be God?
Was Jesus Forsaken by His Father?
The centurion's song from the foot of the cross: “Surely This Was a Righteous Man”
Journey to the Cross: Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
How Do We Know Psalm 22 Is About The Cross?
Q & A: Thursday Crucifixion Discussion

Three Days in the Heart of the Earth
The Days of Darkness 
Sadness and Despair: The Darkest Days of All Time
Obituary of Jesus: Body Stolen or Risen? What do you say?

About Easter and Resurrection Life

The Father's, Son's and Believer's Perspectives of the Cross
Because He Lives, I Can Face Tomorrow (video)
Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Alleluia  (video)
A Place in the Sun (Son) (video)
You'll Never Walk Alone (video)
How to Close Your Eyes and Really SEE Jesus!
Open Your Eyes to The Full Gospel
Are you glad to see Jesus?
Ponder the Prophecies of Jesus’ Mission (video and downloadable file)
What If We Skipped Easter This Year?
He’s back….and it changed everything!
The Lord is Risen Indeed! Hallelujah!
Because He Rose: The resurrection changed everything!  (video)
What’s the Meaning of the Folded Napkin in the tomb?
Keep Easter Alive in Your Heart: He Came Back (video)
The Only Soul-Saver, Sin-Forgiver, Chain-Breaker, Pain-Taker, Way-Maker, Hope-Giver: Jesus
Keep Looking Up
Praise God, He’s Alive
Christian Internet Forwards? The Rest of “The Birdcage” Story? (video)
Ways to Glorify God - Bookmark

Watch NOW...You will be blessed.

Read:  Is Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” a Christian Song?*******