Yahoo, it’s Christmas…I get to repent!
Thursday, December 10th, 2009
John the Baptist said "Repent and get ready!"
Those are probably not the words uttered by any children on that wonderful morning, but it is how our Christmas story starts. In fact, the Christmas story doesn’t really begin in Luke 2 like everyone thinks.
This past Sunday, our minister Dr. Howell talked about Malachi and the words of John the Baptist, both of whom basically said, “Get ready because the Lord is on his way here!” The first step of “getting ready” is to get rid of all that is wrong with you. John the Baptist wasn’t just telling fluffy stories about how cool Jesus would be. He said, “Repent!…” (Matt. 3:1)
These were great words to hear this Sunday because I have been guilty of getting caught up with the joy and pageantry of Christmas this year. It is my daughter’s first one and already I have been humming all the Christmas tunes we get to teach her. Interestingly, in years past I can’t tolerate Christmas music until just a few days before the big day. It really is amazing how kids change your perspective about the holidays.
But it is also good to remember that we should humble ourselves before the newborn King. This is also a great time of year to clean out your “soul closet” and repent of the things that are keeping you from being the Christian you are meant to be. That was encouraging to hear this Sunday and of course, I have a fitness take on it!
This reminds me of what a client said a few weeks ago, “You get me to do the things (exercises) that I really need to do, but would never do on my own.” Watching people move for a living is cool, because I have a different perspective than they do. I see weakness or a skill that needs improving and the client may have no idea it was a problem. And every client has an exercise or two that they hate doing, but know that they should be doing them. I would say that about repentance. That is not the fun part of being a Christian, but it is a vital part.
In our sessions, I will refer to these tough exercises as the “vegetables” and the fun stuff that most clients like to do as the “dessert”. Got to eat your veggies, before you get the sweet stuff. Same goes for this idea of listening to John the Baptist and having some time of repentance this holiday season. There will be plenty of joyous, sweet moments (and foods!) to share, but take some action on the hard part of being a Christian.
Live with Strength,
Jason
