Billy Graham, who often played the 20th century role of John the Baptist, had these comments about the disease running rampant in the world:
“We’re suffering from only one disease in the world. Our basic problem is not a race problem. Our basic problem is not a poverty problem.
Our basic problem is not an economic problem. Our basic problem is not a war problem. Our basic problem is a heart problem. We need to
get the heart changed, the heart transformed.” Michael J. Anton, Good News for Now, CSS Publishing, Page 12.
This is the time of the season when everyone in America becomes a little more aware of trying to do good and be good. Even though many folks don’t believe or accept the birth story of Jesus, most Americans at least have their hearts transformed into trying to be more good natured in their demeanor and in their actions. This season seems to promote an attitude of offering peace throughout the earth and goodwill towards all. Crime rates drop in the wintertime. Could the Christmas season have anything to do with that?
For many retail businesses, over 50% of the income they take in occurs around the holiday season. Many nonprofit organizations and churches receive up to 30% of their total revenue during the Christmas season. At a minimum, the Christmas season is defined as the season of giving, for it is when you give openly, graciously and cheerfully, that the true spirit of Christmas occurs.
Albert Einstein once said, “The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable ofreceiving.”
And, remember, just as Christ gave himself for you out of love, “It is possible to give without loving, but it is impossible to love without giving.” — Richard Braunstein.
Pastor Mark