A Christmas Lie by Pastor Poppie Paul

I lied to my mom in 1976.  It was a few weeks before Christmas at Fort Bragg, N.C. and I was not yet a Christian.  My friends partied.  I partied.  So I called my mom and told her we were on "alert."  I told her I could not come home for Christmas.  That year I could not imagine being around my family.  My lifestyle did not match the wonderful family who awaited me back home.  At that time of my life I was more connected to my party buddies.

This Christmas Eve will be the 56th celebration with my family.  The one I missed is a reminder that sin leads us to lies.  Lies lead to separation.  Sin, lies, and separation lead to losses that we can never get back.  No matter how many awesome Christmases I get before I die, one will always be missing!

Unworthy

It was Christmas 1977 and I was a brand new Christian.  The last four years had been all about a young soldiers debauchery.  I was invited to the home of a Church of Christ Deacon for a special Christmas party.  Compared to a night in the barracks it was a real treat.

As I stood in his home my thoughts raced through my activities of the past few years, and the beauty of my surroundings.  The Deacon, his wife, his daughters, and his home possessed a dignity and purity that did not reflect my soul.

I grabbed my coat and headed for the door.  The Deacon grabbed hold of me and asked where I was going.  I responded with tears welling up in my eyes, "I am not worthy to be in your home!"  He squeezed me tighter, looked into my eyes, and said words I shall never forget!

"NONE OF US ARE WORTHY TO BE HERE!"

All we are, all we have, and every door that ever opens for us is because

of the Grace of God and the work of Christ on the cross. 

 

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) 

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,

that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

 Romans 8:1 (ESV)

 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

This Christmas confess your sins to God,
accept His forgiveness, forgive yourself,
let go of all past hurt, and be free.
Open your heart and soul to the beauty of the season.

Not because you are worthy,
but because the God of the universe has invited you to the party!
Don't allow anything to keep you from accepting His invitation in Christ!