Isn’t it interesting how our minds work? I can remember television commercials from when I was a kid, or songs that I have not heard in a very long time with hardly any effort. I suppose that many of us can sing the Oscar Mayer bologna song off the top of our heads right now. Yet, when I try to think about a passage of scripture that I have recently read or my Sunday School lesson, I find that I must really concentrate to get it out. I find that it is also very easy to dwell in sinful thoughts and it takes some effort to dwell in holy thoughts. This does not seem fair does it?
The Bible has much to say about our thought life. Paul in Philippians 4:8 tell us: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
I find that in the Christmas season I can also remember Christmas songs and hymns without any trouble and can hear in my mind Linus from Charlie Brown Christmas quoting from the gospel of Luke chapter 2.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
If there is anything lovely and worthy of praise it is Jesus Christ! So, as we enter this Christmas season take full advantage of those pure and lovely thoughts and memories, sing songs, and think about “what Christmas is really all about” – The birth of a Savior!
Merry Christmas,
Jeff, Anna, Coleman, Mikaila, William, Tinsleigh, Caleb