God's work in history is not limited by human failures or sins, and He works through ordinary people. Just as God used all kinds of people to bring His son into the world, He uses all kinds today to accomplish His will. And God wants to use you.

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Did you know that Jesus means, "the LORD saves."

Jesus is both fully human and fully divine. Because Jesus lived as a man, we know that he fully understands our experiences and struggles. We can tell Jesus our thoughts, feelings, and needs. He has been where we are now, and he has the ability to help.

You know that thing that pulls at you, makes you a little self conscious even. It's called your pride. With pride comes a will, a free will given to you with Jesus's death. That's the great thing about God: because His son died for us we have a free will. You are not forced to follow my religion, but I believe you are interested in my article for a reason.

Let me begin with the birth of Jesus, that is what Christmas is about after all.

You should know that Jewish marriage involves three steps. First, the two families agree to the union of marriage. Second, a public announcement is made, at which point the couple is considered "pledged." Their relationship could only be broken through death or divorce. Third, the couple was married and began living together.

Mary and Joseph were only engaged. Mary's pregnancy appeared to show she was unfaithful, which not only looked bad in the community but was also punishable by death. An angel appears to Joseph at which point explains,

"Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Joseph went ahead with what he knew was right. Sometimes we avoid doing what is right because of what others might think. Like Joseph, we must choose to obey God rather than seek the approval of others.

Maybe you are at the start of your faith, maybe you've lost hope. A lot of us expect God to come looking for us, to explain himself, to prove who he is, and give us gifts. Let me tell you, those who are wise will worship Jesus today.

Following hand in hand with God is not easy. In fact, it's the hardest thing I've ever done. Don't be afraid. I believe today people are afraid Christ wants to take things away. In all reality, he wants to give them real freedom and peace.

The first step in walking with God is to repent of your sins. God doesn't ask for a 180-degree turn around right away either. And how I wish I could tell you it would be as easy as washing your hands. Those results are immediately visible. Ask God into your heart and let Him do the work. You will stumble, you will want to give up, some will walk away. But repentance happens inside with a cleansing that isn't seen right away. The is no sin or problem too great or too small for Him to handle.

If you want to live for God you must be ready to say and do what seems strange to the world. You must be willing to give when others take, love when others hate, to help when others abuse. Christians should not blend in with everyone else. Instead, we should affect others positively, just as seasoning brings out the best flavor in food. If Christians make no effort to affect the world around them, they are of little value to God. You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

I urge you, instead of "Happy Holidays" lets bring back the true meaning of Christmas with "Have a blessed Christmas" or even "Merry Christmas." Show mercy and love to others this season.

As some of us struggle money wise in gifting, keep in mind that we must trust God daily to provide what he knows we need.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

When you feel small and useless, remember that God uses ordinary people to do his extraordinary work. Fall on your knees. Hear the angle voices. You can never fall too hard or too far away from God. All are welcome here and let's make that known this CHRISTmas season!