Here are the memories that may enrich your celebration the most
By Dean Collins
In a season filled with memories, let me suggest a set of memories that will enrich your celebration the most.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with remembering past Christmases. It’s good to pull out favorite decorations, resurrect family traditions, and fill the house with the familiar aroma from baking your best Christmas cookies and pies. And it’s a blessing to remember special people who populated past Christmases but will not be with us to celebrate this year.
But maybe this year we could take remembering a step deeper and think of not just a favorite toy or trip or tradition. Maybe we can see the benefit in reflecting on who first introduced us to Jesus. Who planted in your heart the seed of faith in the Christ who was born in Bethlehem? Who nurtured and watered the seed that developed your confidence in the Savior King we celebrate at this time of the year?
Beyond nostalgia
Paul was thinking about such memories in his final letter to his protégé, Timothy. Paul wrote, not for the purpose of nostalgia, but to stir up Timothy’s courage and confidence in his calling as servant and minister of God. As Paul began this final challenge, there were tears, not only his own but probably Timothy’s as well as he read the letter. And these tears came not just because of the mentor/mentee relationship but because of Paul’s and Timothy’s common confidence in Jesus who saved them, called them, and in whom they shared both suffering and victory.
Paul didn’t recall any family gatherings, memorable vacations, or even handmade treasures that Timothy’s mother and grandmother gave Timothy. Paul focused on the sincere faith that was nurtured and developed through the maternal side of Timothy’s family tree. And Paul told Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God given to him by them.
Our calling isn’t passive or stagnant. It involves some intentional effort on our part. This is not about earning salvation but rather about determining to deepen our confidence in God in our lives.
Without fear
Paul ended his paragraph reminding Timothy that God didn’t give us a spirit of fear. His gifts to be used in ministry were gifts that come from the Holy Spirit and allow us to have and use unlimited spiritual resources, love, and self-control. These gifts will prevent timidity, lack of concern for others, and any arrogance or careless actions.
Paul was also concerned for Timothy because they both were aware of Paul’s suffering for the gospel and his impending death because of his bold faith and witness. Paul likely thought Timothy might see Paul’s suffering or death as some sort of failure or dishonor. But Paul clearly states that doing Kingdom work will include suffering, but it is the way God demonstrates the power of the gospel.
We should never be ashamed at the difficulties we experience as we live for Jesus. It is a part of the way of faith. And the good news, the really good news, is that God uses suffering to advance his Kingdom. The suffering of Jesus did include death, but it also brought a glorious victory over death that we claim and hold firmly in our hearts and minds. Christ made a deposit in us that he will not remove. He will simply add interest to the deposit as we dwell in him.
Remembering roots
Enjoy all the Christmas memories. Tell each other stories, laugh, eat, sing, and celebrate this Christmas. But don’t forget to remember and share the roots of your faith. Someone planted the seeds of the gospel in you. Don’t forget to tell those stories and fan the flame of faith in your life and in the lives of those around you!
Your time with God’s Word
2 Timothy 1:3-14 ESV
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
