Christmas is less than 8 weeks away, and now is the time for the season to get into full swing. Christmas parties, shopping, special events, Holiday programming on television, time with family....it is a very busy time of the year for many. While we all know what this time of year is really about, while we all know the catchy phrases like "Jesus is the reason for the season," many of us get so wrapped up in all of the seasonal events that we really do forget what it is all about. But the way we have fallen into the world's celebration of this time has really motivated me to use this time to challenge all of us as we enter into the season.

The best advice I can give you is to keep that daily relationship with the Lord. Knowing Him and having that relationship start fresh each and every day, can go a long way in keeping us from falling into the holiday trap. Let me say right here, I'm not one of those extreme people who believe we should not enjoy this time of year. It is a wonderful time of the year to visit with family and frends.

This time of year, more than ever, people's hearts are at least open to some extent as to what Jesus is all about. I have said here many times that your greatest legacy is not just what you say but how you live. You will be around schoolmates, coworkers, family members in some casual settings in the coming weeks. Take advantage of those moments to share the love of Christ with those who are lost.

While you are busy with the various things you will be doing in the coming weeks, don't forget to add sharing Christ with others to that list. Hearts are never more open or more receptive than during this season. This can be the greatest Christmas ever in regard to allowing the Lord to use you to touch others for Him.

I hope this will be the most blessed season of your life. More than anything, I hope that you will use these coming days to be a vessel God can use to reach others with His love. May you be richly blessed today as we begin the busy season. Keep your daily walk with the Lord first in your life. Never forget that He wants to use you to fulfill His plan and purpose for this world.

If we at the Wooddale Church of Christ can be of any spiritual assistance to you, please contact us by E-mail at Bill Bryant, Tom Smith or Raymond Pecoraro