Where is our focus?

[Pete in MI]

Our minister had a great sermon yesterday. I wish I could explain the sermon in a few words.

Beware the leaven of the Pharisees (Matt 15:2-9).

Trying to mix God's ways with our own opinions and preferences creates 'leaven'. The 'leaven' makes void the commands of God.

I know this may not be fully understood. If we take Christmas and break it down Christ means "The Anointed One" and Mass means "Celebration".

Sometimes we focus on the things like Santa Claus, receiving of gifts, our inability to give gifts because of finances, shopping or a thousand other things. Maybe everything except the celebrating of the Anointed One's birth.

What is wrong with this picture?

[attachment 12840 JesusinManger.jpg]

Is it the 'leaven' of our opinions and preferences that somehow we pollute the celebration of Jesus' birth by including a Christmas tree into this picture?

Let us try to focus on Jesus. Christmas parties would be even nicer if they actually celebrated the Anointed One.

I hope this has helped to put our focus this wonderful time of celebration where it should be.

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

the reason for the season!

 

[steve in so la]

The world would like us to concentrate on spending - keep focused on the birth and others will see it, steve in so az

 

[MI$$OURI BETTY]

n/t

 

[Mike Chgo area]

n/t