This “Season” is rarely described in its fullness…“Christmas.” More typically we encounter references to “the Holidays”, “X-mas” or even the “Festive Season”. Christmas trees have been trimmed in title: “X-mas Trees”. Christmas cards are now called Holiday cards. The text is general and generic…with equanimity of expression for Hanukkah, Rohatsu (Buddhist), Ahsura (Islam), Christmas or Kwanza. One card does it all! The “Season’s” mood is superficially tolerant, peaceful, joyful and generous…but the glitter and glamour belie the truth. For in reality, Christmas has become a frantic and feverish pitch of commercialism in epic proportions.

I remember working in my school days at a nationally renowned general merchandise store. Their “Christmas section” was erected before Labor Day every year! Many years later, I am now hard pressed to even find the word “Christmas” anywhere in their massive display of meaningless holiday merchandise. Today there is not a single nativity scene for sale in any of the hundreds of branches of that store. No

reference to the Newborn King. No hope of the Son of God “dwelling amongst us”. No confirmation of God Himself “visiting us”. We are encouraged to expect someone else. Santa himself has become the expected arrival and impersonation of the day…indeed, the celebrated “Saint”. Santa has taken front stage, back stage…and even the throne.

Santa is fiction…a figment of our imagination…and yet a reflection of our hearts. Yet it’s not Santa who has overtaken the “babe in the manger”. It’s the Idol of Pleasure. Wrapped up in gift giving…we might more honestly find a focus on man pleasing…replacing what should be a focus on God pleasing. Hidden in the “wish list”, may be a heart bent on self-pleasure, self-satisfaction and a sense of “I deserve it!”…eradicating a heart of reverent, holy fear found in the shepherds and angels that glorious night of Jesus’ birth. The busy schedule of shopping, wrapping, sending, visiting, eating and indulgence has replaced the original intent of the “Holy” day: Reflection, Repentance, Reverence and Rejoicing in what God has done for us. And it’s that very busyness that ensures we have sufficient “time” for everything, everyone, every detail…except God Himself.

Busyness, in and of itself, is neither good nor bad. The Purpose of that busyness, however, plants the seed that gives rise to the final fruit. Jesus Himself was quite busy…

“My FatherHas been working until now,And I have been working.”

John 5:17

“I must work the worksOf Him Who sent Me

While it is day.The night is coming

When no one can work.”John 9:4

The fruit of busyness, therefore, will be either good or bad, valuable or vain…depending on the Focus. In the Gospel of Luke, we find that Martha was certainly busy serving Jesus…but to her spiritual detriment (Luke 10.38-41). Instead, Jesus commended her sister, Mary, for having “chosen that good part”: namely, sitting at the feet of Jesus, in intense intimacy and interest in Him. Mary was, in fact, very busy. Busy with Jesus. Busy with things of eternal significance. Busy with holy infatuation in the presence of Jesus Himself. So busy, that “serving” Him was a distant second to sitting at His feet and hearing His voice. God the Father has established the model to mimic in the very facts of the first Christmas. Christ’s incarnation set the standard. The mode in which the Son of God came to dwell amongst us, as the Son of Man. God’s Son was on urgent business. Indeed, the most urgent of all time: the Redemption of mankind from Sin, Self and certain death. Yet urgency of Purpose was perfectly paired with placidity of Pace:

“And this will be the sign to you:You will find a Babe

Wrapped in swaddling clothes,Lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:12

A baby. An utterly dependent, innocently ineffective and unhurried…baby! The Most High God Himself determined that His Son, arriving as an infant, was not a waste of Time. Years spent at His mother’s breast, on his father’s knee, and in the cradle of his youth…was not without profound Purpose. How many years had Jesus “wasted” by coming as an infant? Indeed, His infancy, childhood, adolescence years were much greater in number than His few short years “in ministry”. Or were they?

Our definition of “ministry” might be inadequate at best. Perhaps entirely inaccurate. God is not in a hurry. There is no wasted time in intimacy with God. Mary, the sister of “busy” Martha, was testimony to that fact. Jesus, born as a child, is ample evidence of our primary Purpose: to Love God. And Love requires the generous, unhurried expenditure of Time.

And yet, Time is short. God’s very Word repeatedly reminds us that our life and time on this earth is but a vapor (Psalm 39.5-11; James 4.14). Time was short for Jesus while on earth. Even as a young boy, Jesus testified to His parents…

“I must be busyAbout My Father’s business.”

Luke 2:49

But what was Jesus doing at the Temple? Feeding the poor? Preaching the Good News? Ministering to the widows and orphans? Cleaning the Temple steps? No. He was in intimacy with His Father. He was sitting…listening…asking questions…seeking to know and love God…and basking in the intimate presence of His then unseen, but very present, Father. Jesus was “busy” in eternal efforts…and yet externally unengaged in life’s “more practical” priorities. The boy Jesus was “about (His) Father’s business” after having solemnly searched the Scriptures well before the age of twelve. Jesus was a busy boy? Yes. More than most of us even in our spiritual adulthood.

This Christmas we have the opportunity to do things different. In the midst of perilous times and a perverse generation (Philippians 2.15), we can submit to God’s eternal Order of busyness. We can commit to God’s Call to “press toward the goal” (Philippians 3.14) without the frantic carnal folly of “Holiday Cheer”. God’s profound and perfect Order and Call are evidenced first in the Infant Child Jesus…laying in a manger…in profound Intimacy with, and Submission to, His Heavenly Father. Time indeed was short. Time to hang on the Cross would soon come. But that final Purpose would only be accomplished after much precious Time was previously poured out in His Father’s Presence.

Let’s put off the shopping. Let’s forgo the jolly folly. Let’s stop “wasting” Time.

Make this Christmas one to be remembered and cherished…by God Himself.

This “Season” is rarely described in its fullness…“Christmas.” More typically we encounter references to “the Holidays”, “X-mas” or even the “Festive Season”. Christmas trees have been trimmed in title: “X-mas Trees”. Christmas cards are now called Holiday cards. The text is general and generic…with equanimity of expression for Hanukkah, Rohatsu (Buddhist), Ahsura (Islam), Christmas or Kwanza. One card does it all! The “Season’s” mood is superficially tolerant, peaceful, joyful and generous…but the glitter and glamour belie the truth. For in reality, Christmas has become a frantic and feverish pitch of commercialism in epic proportions.

I remember working in my school days at a nationally renowned general merchandise store. Their “Christmas section” was erected before Labor Day every year! Many years later, I am now hard pressed to even find the word “Christmas” anywhere in their massive display of meaningless holiday merchandise. Today there is not a single nativity scene for sale in any of the hundreds of branches of that store. No

reference to the Newborn King. No hope of the Son of God “dwelling amongst us”. No confirmation of God Himself “visiting us”. We are encouraged to expect someone else. Santa himself has become the expected arrival and impersonation of the day…indeed, the celebrated “Saint”. Santa has taken front stage, back stage…and even the throne.

Santa is fiction…a figment of our imagination…and yet a reflection of our hearts. Yet it’s not Santa who has overtaken the “babe in the manger”. It’s the Idol of Pleasure. Wrapped up in gift giving…we might more honestly find a focus on man pleasing…replacing what should be a focus on God pleasing. Hidden in the “wish list”, may be a heart bent on self-pleasure, self-satisfaction and a sense of “I deserve it!”…eradicating a heart of reverent, holy fear found in the shepherds and angels that glorious night of Jesus’ birth. The busy schedule of shopping, wrapping, sending, visiting, eating and indulgence has replaced the original intent of the “Holy” day: Reflection, Repentance, Reverence and Rejoicing in what God has done for us. And it’s that very busyness that ensures we have sufficient “time” for everything, everyone, every detail…except God Himself.

Busyness, in and of itself, is neither good nor bad. The Purpose of that busyness, however, plants the seed that gives rise to the final fruit. Jesus Himself was quite busy…

“My FatherHas been working until now,And I have been working.”

John 5:17

“I must work the worksOf Him Who sent Me

While it is day.The night is coming

When no one can work.”John 9:4

The fruit of busyness, therefore, will be either good or bad, valuable or vain…depending on the Focus. In the Gospel of Luke, we find that Martha was certainly busy serving Jesus…but to her spiritual detriment (Luke 10.38-41). Instead, Jesus commended her sister, Mary, for having “chosen that good part”: namely, sitting at the feet of Jesus, in intense intimacy and interest in Him. Mary was, in fact, very busy. Busy with Jesus. Busy with things of eternal significance. Busy with holy infatuation in the presence of Jesus Himself. So busy, that “serving” Him was a distant second to sitting at His feet and hearing His voice. God the Father has established the model to mimic in the very facts of the first Christmas. Christ’s incarnation set the standard. The mode in which the Son of God came to dwell amongst us, as the Son of Man. God’s Son was on urgent business. Indeed, the most urgent of all time: the Redemption of mankind from Sin, Self and certain death. Yet urgency of Purpose was perfectly paired with placidity of Pace:

“And this will be the sign to you:You will find a Babe

Wrapped in swaddling clothes,Lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:12

A baby. An utterly dependent, innocently ineffective and unhurried…baby! The Most High God Himself determined that His Son, arriving as an infant, was not a waste of Time. Years spent at His mother’s breast, on his father’s knee, and in the cradle of his youth…was not without profound Purpose. How many years had Jesus “wasted” by coming as an infant? Indeed, His infancy, childhood, adolescence years were much greater in number than His few short years “in ministry”. Or were they?

Our definition of “ministry” might be inadequate at best. Perhaps entirely inaccurate. God is not in a hurry. There is no wasted time in intimacy with God. Mary, the sister of “busy” Martha, was testimony to that fact. Jesus, born as a child, is ample evidence of our primary Purpose: to Love God. And Love requires the generous, unhurried expenditure of Time.

And yet, Time is short. God’s very Word repeatedly reminds us that our life and time on this earth is but a vapor (Psalm 39.5-11; James 4.14). Time was short for Jesus while on earth. Even as a young boy, Jesus testified to His parents…

“I must be busyAbout My Father’s business.”

Luke 2:49

But what was Jesus doing at the Temple? Feeding the poor? Preaching the Good News? Ministering to the widows and orphans? Cleaning the Temple steps? No. He was in intimacy with His Father. He was sitting…listening…asking questions…seeking to know and love God…and basking in the intimate presence of His then unseen, but very present, Father. Jesus was “busy” in eternal efforts…and yet externally unengaged in life’s “more practical” priorities. The boy Jesus was “about (His) Father’s business” after having solemnly searched the Scriptures well before the age of twelve. Jesus was a busy boy? Yes. More than most of us even in our spiritual adulthood.

This Christmas we have the opportunity to do things different. In the midst of perilous times and a perverse generation (Philippians 2.15), we can submit to God’s eternal Order of busyness. We can commit to God’s Call to “press toward the goal” (Philippians 3.14) without the frantic carnal folly of “Holiday Cheer”. God’s profound and perfect Order and Call are evidenced first in the Infant Child Jesus…laying in a manger…in profound Intimacy with, and Submission to, His Heavenly Father. Time indeed was short. Time to hang on the Cross would soon come. But that final Purpose would only be accomplished after much precious Time was previously poured out in His Father’s Presence.

Let’s put off the shopping. Let’s forgo the jolly folly. Let’s stop “wasting” Time.

Make this Christmas one to be remembered and cherished…by God Himself.

NON-PROFITORG.

US POSTAGE

PAIDFT. LAUD, FL

PERMIT NO. 1169 P.O. Box 668877Pompano BeachFlorida 33066

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDContact Paul & Marcia CowleyEmail:paul@disciplesupport.org marcia@disciplesupport.orgPhone from USA:011-254-733-609-066Skype: marcia.cowleyAfrica MailDisciple Support MinistriesBox 76498-00508Nairobi, Kenya(please do not send packages)Contact DSM in AmericaDisciple Support MinistriesPhone: 561-901-3590Send Contributions ToDisciple Support MinistriesP.O. Box 15786Plantation, FL 33318

•Student Semester Supplies ($3,000)•Stationery supplies, handouts & copies ($2,000)•Local Staff ($1,000 per month for entire staff)•Student Meals ($600 per month for entire student body)•Benevolence & Charitable Projects ($700 per month)•Books for 2 Student Lending Libraries ($500 x 2)•Facility fees ($450 per month)•40 Bibles ($11 each)

•Employment for Pastors•Health and Healing

Designed by www.ChoiceDesignStudio.com

•View latest DSM Video•Make Contributions Online

•Signup Someone for Newsletters•Download Prior Newsletters•View Ministry Photo Library