Nov 26 - 2 Thessalonians 1:4

Therefore we ourselves boast of you

among the churches of God

for your steadfastness and faith

during all your persecutions

and the afflictions you are enduring.

2 Thessalonians 1:4

On the spectrum of Christmas letters, there are two extremes ...

• Have you ever received a Christmas letter that includes every trial, bump, wart, grief, and calamity that the family incurred during past year? Some losses we have to include -- "and of course we're mourning the loss of dad this year" -- but have you ever received an over-achieving litany of complaints?
  
• On the other hand, have you ever received a Christmas letter that brags about every superlative of every kid. It's like every word in the letter is an attempt to out-do any- and everyone on their Christmas list.

Christmas letters are a tricky thing -- especially regarding that last item, boasting.

Today's lesson tells us what we can and should boast about: True Faith.

Generally speaking, we should not boast about our own faith (My faith's better than yours)! Rather, we should celebrate the faith of others.

Now, when I say "faith," I'm not talking about who can serve on the most committees and memorize the most verses. I'm talking about celebrating the kind of faith that enables people stand up strong in the midst of this world's hurricanes ...

• "I'm so proud of Alex for exhibiting love when his neighbor cussed him out."
  
• "I'm so proud of Betty for taking time out of her crazy schedule to tutor a child."
  
• "I'm so proud of Chuck for showing mercy to the drunk man who totalled his car."
  
• "I'm so proud of little Danny for showing a heart of gratitude and writing that thank you note. It must have taken him hours.
  
•  "I'm so proud of Erica for forgiving the person who hurt her."

In Christ's Love,

a guy who joyfully boasts about you

when you endure afflictions with courage,

stand steadfast when in world that minimizes faith,

and care for those need