Merry Christmas!
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
This is the first time that we couldn’t afford a tree or gifts for Christmas. In fact, even when I was a child and my parents were broke, we still had a bountiful Christmas with numerous gifts awaiting us under the tree. Normally, I spend a lot of money buying gifts for friends and family. I enjoy giving gifts to others and seeing their faces light up in pure delight and excitement.
When I lost my full-time job at the end of July, we were hit very hard financially. We relied on my income to pay the majority of the bills. Rather than viewing it as a negative, I knew that it was blessing – as I had been praying about my purpose in life ever since my first mission trip to Costa Rica in June. The loss of my job was a gift from God to give me the time to start my own fitness business and help others with their health and fitness goals. God also provided me with a part-time job in the mornings to give us just enough income to provide for all our basic needs. This gave me the time I needed in the afternoon to run my business and work on growing the business.
Although it makes me sad that we couldn’t celebrate Christmas like we have in the past, I’m thankful for all that God has given me. I am thankful that I have a godly wife who supports me and encourages me. I am thankful that I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, transportation, utilities and food on the table. I am thankful that I have the support of so many friends and family. I am thankful that I can use my knowledge and passion for health and fitness to help others. I am thankful that I’m healthy.
I’m also thankful that this gives me a chance to celebrate Christmas for what it really is all about – the birth of Jesus Christ. Without the birth of Christ and His death for our sins, we would not have much more to look forward to beyond our short life on earth.
“Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” – James 4:14
Our life here is short. And knowing that we have eternal life thanks to Christ for dying for our sins is the best gift we could receive. I challenge you to remember what today really means and give thanks to God for allowing His one and only Son to die for our sins so we may have everlasting life.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” – John 14:6
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Dedicated to your health and fitness,
Nate
