Fire in the Manger

What a sermon title! Yet, one of the most compelling sermons about Christmas I have ever heard.

There was fire in the manger along with the "Love came down at Christmas" sentiment. God's fire is either a refining fire for the believer, or a consuming fire for the unbeliever. To summarize a 45 minute treatise into a simple blog is not worthy - however important enough to try.

Pseudo Christianity says "God is love" and ends there. True Christianity knows and declares the love of God equally with the judgment of God. God Himself shows us Who He is - we don't create a system of beliefs - He tells us in His Word how we are to see Him.

If we take out the judgment of God, we also take away our need for a Redeemer! Oh the cheapening of the true meaning of Christmas should put us all to shame, and cause us to declare the entire counsel of God!

Thanks be to God for peaceful sleep, for acceptance of things I cannot change, for knowing that He is a consuming fire, and for me that means life.

As we end another year I am so grateful for forgiveness, redemption, and God's purifying fire in my life. A favorite verse stands out to me: "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Yes, it IS OK to play with fire - and not get burned :)