No Fear - Christmas Thought

After many tests and doctor visits, I still don't know what is wrong with me. The dizziness comes and goes, but I am happy to report that I do not have any more chest pain or palpitations and more importantly, fear has been replaced with faith. I heard a pastor on the radio say that "fear is the absence of faith" and it put a lot of things into perspective for me. If we are afraid of what the enemy may be able to do to us we lose focus on what our God CAN do for us. I felt somewhat ashamed because initially I was so wrapped up in what was wrong with me and momentarily forgot who was in charge.
On a side note, I am so grateful this Christmas. Even though our tree is not going to be stuffed to the brim with gifts, I am thankful for what the birth of one baby boy means to our faith and salvation. I am blessed beyond measure to have my beautiful family that I can't imagine living without. The worldly view of Christmas measures joy by how many gifts you got, or what name brand was on the purse you received, or how much money was spent. It's hard to get sucked into that arrogant mindset. I have shamefully found myself a time or two this Christmas browsing by a name brand store and thinking how much better that particular object would make me feel. How shallow. Yet, the true meaning of Christmas is quite simple. A God who was merciful to send his Son on this earth so that we could be saved.
I am often puzzled as to why people refused to believe in a God or in Jesus Christ. I enjoy philosophical thinking, yet I know my earthly mind will never understand fully the miracles of Christianity. Are people really that self-centered in thinking that if they can't solve it, it must not be true? What have you truly got to lose in serving Jesus Christ?
I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas and remembers why we celebrate this season. Step outside of the worldly box for a moment and focus on what really matters. Remember the importance of relationships instead of name brands. As my daddy says, "your stuff can't save you - only Christ can."