Isn't it amazing?

I'm home from the San Diego Parade of Lights. This is our 2nd Christmas community event and I'm struck again by how amazing it is that millions of people celebrate the birth of Jesus. Even if they don't actually believe it-they still celebrate it. You know the pithy little saying, "Jesus is the reason for the Season'. Well, HE IS! It's just amazing to me that for centuries people have celebrated his birth. All over the world. There is no other person celebrated like Him. God is so good. How can you live in America and NOT know that Jesus was born? You might not believe it, but you hear about it. Every year. Sure, many things in our culture distract us from that fact and celebrate consumerism more than the virgin birth: presents, Santa, hoopla galore but for just one moment consider with me how amazingly good God is that he allows everyone to celebrate his birth, gives them the grace to enjoy His birthday, the grace to hear of him. Year after year after year!

As we were driving home, I kept thinking about this:
" But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." ~2 Peter 3:8-10

The day of judgment is coming where those who have rejected Jesus will be held accountable. But it wasn’t today! Today God was patient and allowed thousand of San Diegans to enjoy the beautiful Bay, sparkly lights, Christmas music and the joy brought to us from his Son's birth. The day of judgment is coming. But until then, God is patient, loving, kind, drawing his children to himself. And every year giving a beautiful, fun, festive reminder of his birth for those who love him to celebrate; and for those who reject Him a chance to repent. Isn’t it amazing?