Yesterday morning I was thinking about how temporary everything in this life is. Nothing here in this world lasts forever. At this time of year we give gifts that we think will make the person happy but the happiness is short lived. In a few days, weeks, or months the new wears off and we are on the hunt for something else that we think will satisfy us.
As I was contemplating this I absentmindedly turned the radio on in my car. I don't normally listen to the radio when I am alone except for books on cd but I love Christmas music. As I flipped on the radio this guy was saying, "give the gift that lasts forever. Name a star after someone." Perhaps you have heard of this but I had not until that moment. If you send a certain amount of money to this organization they will look through the star charts and supposedly find a star that hasn't been named and name it after your loved one. It will be recorded in the Library of Congress or some such agency and you will be sent a certificate with the details. This gift is supposed to last forever. (Forgive me for laughing!)
I immediately thought of the scripture in Mark 13:25 where Jesus said that the stars would fall from heaven. In this chapter he prophecies of the destruction of the world and all that is in it. Even the heavens are not exempt. John the revelator prophesied in Revelation 21:1 of a new heaven and a new earth. So you see, even the heavens are not forever. The only thing that will last forever is God and his word.
Psalm 199:89 says, "forever, O Lord, your word is settled in heaven." The only thing that we can build our lives on is the word of God. It is the only sure foundation. Everything else will eventually crumble and decay. God 's word has stood the test of time and eternity and we can never fail by putting our trust in him.
The reason for the season is that "the word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Jesus Christ is the living, breathing word of God. As such, He is the only one worthy of our trust. This world will pass away and all of its lust but he that does the will of God will abide forever (I John 2:17). So give yourself the gift that lasts forever. Put your trust in Jesus today. He will be here when the world is long gone.
Merry Christmas,
Rev. Sullivan Jones
As I was contemplating this I absentmindedly turned the radio on in my car. I don't normally listen to the radio when I am alone except for books on cd but I love Christmas music. As I flipped on the radio this guy was saying, "give the gift that lasts forever. Name a star after someone." Perhaps you have heard of this but I had not until that moment. If you send a certain amount of money to this organization they will look through the star charts and supposedly find a star that hasn't been named and name it after your loved one. It will be recorded in the Library of Congress or some such agency and you will be sent a certificate with the details. This gift is supposed to last forever. (Forgive me for laughing!)
I immediately thought of the scripture in Mark 13:25 where Jesus said that the stars would fall from heaven. In this chapter he prophecies of the destruction of the world and all that is in it. Even the heavens are not exempt. John the revelator prophesied in Revelation 21:1 of a new heaven and a new earth. So you see, even the heavens are not forever. The only thing that will last forever is God and his word.
Psalm 199:89 says, "forever, O Lord, your word is settled in heaven." The only thing that we can build our lives on is the word of God. It is the only sure foundation. Everything else will eventually crumble and decay. God 's word has stood the test of time and eternity and we can never fail by putting our trust in him.
The reason for the season is that "the word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Jesus Christ is the living, breathing word of God. As such, He is the only one worthy of our trust. This world will pass away and all of its lust but he that does the will of God will abide forever (I John 2:17). So give yourself the gift that lasts forever. Put your trust in Jesus today. He will be here when the world is long gone.
Merry Christmas,
Rev. Sullivan Jones