As I watched the faces of the athletes from the individual countries, I, along with the rest of the watching world, really got caught up in the moment. Can you imagine the privilege of walking beneath your country's flag, and personally representing the incredible initiative and hard work that it took to get there?

Now me--I don't really know how to say this-- but I'm an 'international' sort of person. I haven't traveled extensively, but I've never heard of a country I didn't want to personally meet. I find incredible beauty in different cultures and races. It was magnificent to see so many represented, in one place, for one purpose. Even if that purpose was just sports

I sat there watching and thinking.

And then I started getting energized. I felt like singing at the top of my lungs "WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE!"

Because, believe it or not, there is going to be a day like that.

Think about the the wonder (words fail me) of the privilege of being a  part of  the saints from every nation, someday marching under the banner of Christ and glorifying our Beloved and relishing His victory.

I just can't stop thinking about it.

What a day that will be. I can not wait.

So the last few Christmases there has been this major battle about keeping Christ in Christmas. And here we are again--Christmas time and lawsuits. I'm not going to lie or beat around the bush: I don't really think its an important cause to join. Hear me out. (Or read me out, however its said written.)

I think its ironic that we as Christians are trying so hard to keep something in Christmas, that wasn't there to begin with. Some of you may have heard of the pagan roots of Christmas? Let's face it. its true. Christ was "implemented" so the religious leaders of the day could ease their consciouses about celebrating a worldly festivity.

This post is not about Christmas and its roots. Its not even about my beliefs concerning wishing people a 'Merry Christmas'. Merry Christmas, Seasons Greetings, who cares. Not the point. I'm not attempting to say 'peace, peace where there is no peace'. That's not my personality or conviction. I definitely believe in Christians beings trend setters and boldness for the Gospel's sake. My point is -- Christians should pick greener hills to die on. I say, we be a little more careful about choosing our battles. I acknowledge that those who use 'X-mas' are often purposely trying to remove Christ from their vocab. Those fighting against keeping Christ in Christmas, are opposing Christianity. But lets clarify something. Christmas is not the gospel. Keeping Christ in Christmas is not the epitome of Christianity. . We got along fine with out it before, and if its taken completely out in the future, we'll get along fine with out it again. (Maybe we'll even get along better without it, but maybe thats a post for another day). Suppose it just wasn't meant to be? You may direct all hate mail to kaylenelise@yahoo.com or feel free to comment. Happy Holidays! ;)

"Oh God, stamp eternity on my eyeballs!"

"When I see the church in the New Testament... They didn't have stately buildings. They didn't have paid evangelists. They didn't have a lot of money. They didn't have organization. They weren't able to get on TV and beg. But I'll tell you what they did, THEY TURNED THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN!"

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." 2 Cor. 5:10

What do you think? Do you see the "church" today as a success or failure? Do you struggle to keep an eternal perspective? Which quote from this sermon struck you as most profound or convicting?