I overheard some children talking about what they wanted for Christmas this year, and was surprised to hear a cell phone make the top of the list! What was unthinkable a decade ago is becoming normal. Talk to any school principal in town and you’ll hear that cell phones are all over.
Did you know that there are nearly 275 million cell phones in use in the United States? That’s nearly 90% of our population! Cell phones are the technological marvel of our time, covering the earth more rapidly than anything ever known. Actually, the US is 3rd in cell use; India has 441 million, and China a whopping 695 million! 3.5 billion worldwide. There are more text messages sent daily than there are people on earth.
Not that I am complaining. They are a great way to stay connected. As Meg travels to visit churches across the country this year, we can call her and she can call us from anywhere. They are wonderful if you run out of gas or have a travel emergency. They are even quite handy in the grocery store, for a reminder of what exactly am I supposed to get? Yet they can also get in the way of communication, as people ignore the folks right in front of them to talk on the phone.
Isn’t it funny to watch an old spy movie, and see their “secret communication devices”? You couldn’t carry them, because the battery pack was the size of a shoe box. I remember when they first came out. Cell phones were just for rich people. Ordinary folks like me would never need one. Until my neighbor got one… who would’ve imagined how prevalent they have become?
A new cell phone for Christmas. Back in the day before there was any electronic communication, Jesus Christ entered this world as a tiny baby. He was the very Word of God, but he came to connect with us face to face. Some things just don’t work over the phone. He took on flesh and grew up like one of us, so that we can know he understands what we are going through. He laughed and cried like we do.
God wants to connect with us. He took the initiative, and showed up at our door, in a form that wouldn’t terrify us. That’s the wonder of Christmas.
If you want to experience the true meaning of the holiday, make sure you are “picking up the phone,” and connecting with God. “Dial in” to His number. Look for Him in all the music, the decorations, the celebrations and the gifts. Come and worship Him as often as possible.
Want to increase your fullness? Connect with others. Invite a child to church and Sunday School. Bring their whole family along. God so loved the world that He sent His Son! Read the story to a child. Send a card that proclaims Christ, and don’t forget our shut-ins. Hang Christian symbols on your tree as ornaments. Make prayer more prominent in family gatherings. Invite friends and family to church. Invite them again! Schedule family gatherings to include church. If you are the guest, mention that you would like to go to church with them. Adopt a needy family. Bake Christmas treats for someone whose family is far away.
Merry Christmas to you all!
Steve
Hi,
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting post.
Cell phone decorations and Cell phone accessories can vary widely in price in different stores, so shop around for a while before you buy. You could find the same thing cheaper elsewhere, or a better accessory for a similar price.