Blog

I recently read a blog done by my good friend Marc Brule and I liked it so much that I got his permission to share it with you.  Enjoy….

We are all quick to recognize the consumerism that has permeated the Christmas season. We live in a land of such abundance. Yet we are told we need more stuff. My parents lived through the great depression and WWII. Their Christmas presents were fruit – because they didn’t get it during the year. When I was a kid, I got one toy and a basic necessity, such as a pair of pants. It seems that, since the 80′s, people already have what they need and get what they want – mostly. Then there’s the point at which we have all we want and people have to brainstorm ideas for a gift because there is nothing evident to get us. Wow, how far we have come (or gone)!

On to the multilingual piece. There is a great book entitled The Five Love Languages that presents and explains the ways in which we express and receive love. There are five basic ways we do that. Each of us has a one or two that are dominant in our lives. Here’s the list:

• Physical touch
• Words of affirmation
• Quality time
• Acts of service
• Gifts

We all express and receive love in a couple of these unique languages. Think about which of these ‘fills your tank’. Think about how you most often express love. It gets interesting between couples when they speak difference love languages. They need to learn to become ‘bilingual’.

Society has made Christmas primarily about the love language of gifts – tangible stuff we give and receive. That’s great for those with that love language but what about all the others. The overemphasis of gifts can result in the neglect of the other expressions of love that should be just as much a part of Christmas.

Hugs, affirmation, time, serving one another – these are all expressions of the love God has put in our hearts and should not be neglected for the sake of gifts.

As you celebrate Christmas this year, keep in mind all the ways you can express love. Think of how what love language your family and friends speak and give them more than just gifts – give them love in their language.

Have a multilingual Christmas!

Marc Brule is pastor of WellSpring Community Church in Welland, Ontario and a CFCM National Director

So here’s a quick thought, are you a fanatic?

My father was in a conversation one day with someone who had called another Christian a fanatic.  In response he made a statement that I have never forgot.  He said, “you have to be careful what you say, often a fanatic is just someone who loves Jesus more than you”.

Ever since that day I have thought that to be called a fanatic for Christ was a compliment and something to strive for.  I believe that we are living in a day when the church needs those who will out of a great passion and love for Christ spend their lives on the Kingdom of God.

With Christ as our standard and the apostles and others in scripture as examples it seems that a consecrated, dedicated, passionate life laid down for God is the only fitting response to God’s great love for us.  The early church had many martyrs who gave their lives for the message and I would guess that in their day they were called fanatics.  The question perhaps is are we willing to live our lives for the message of the Kingdom even if we are considered fanatics?

If it means that I am known for a love of Christ and His Kingdom that goes above normal, count me in.  It would be an honor.