Every year we are inundated with numerous tales related to the Christmas season. Santa Claus, Frosty the snowman, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, the Grinch that stole Christmas and a host of other characters are an inevitable part of our holiday preparations. Their stories are told over and over through song, storybook and television episodes from late November to the end of December. They are an inevitable part of decorations and holiday displays in stores, shopping malls, and both inside and outside of our homes. The appeal of these characters is not confined to young children as many holiday gatherings may feature adults dressed in costumes representing the Grinch, Santa or one of his elves. But there is much more to Christmas than what these characters and their stories represent.

Christmas is based upon the Biblical account of Jesus, a real person who was born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. He was believed to be the Savior of mankind since many of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Redeemer were fulfilled in his life. One of His followers, John, recorded many of the miracles He performed and the teachings that He gave. In John 3:16, Jesus says this about the purpose of His coming: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. His statement gives insight into the significance of celebrating Christmas.

God loves the world:

Genesis reveals how God created the world with power and precision. He declared His satisfaction with what came into being through His spoken command. He involved His hands and His breath in the creation of man and positioned Adam and Eve in dominion over the earth. Their disobedience to His restriction on one tree in the Garden of Eden introduced sin in the earth and broke the fellowship they enjoyed with God. He could have destroyed them and started over, but He showed mercy and purposed to reconcile with man in due time. Despite continued rebellion against His way, He loved the world enough to wait until the appointed time of redemption.

The world needs God’s love:

At every juncture in human history there has been evidence of the depths of mankind’s sin and propensity towards evil. War, violence, slavery, deceit, racism, robbery and murder are just some of the fruit of wickedness that pervade the human experience. Yet, the declaration of the Bible is that God loved the world. It is difficult to comprehend why and how He could love the world with its evils and gross wickedness that seem to outweigh the good. But we are part of that world, and the truth is that He loves us despite our own faults, failings and sin.

Jesus connects us to God’s love:

Though many in His day did not believe Him, and some were even offended, Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. The full revelation of the Bible teaches that God Himself condescended to become like us in order to redeem us. Through Jesus, the full measure of God’s love is revealed. In His birth, Jesus identifies with us as humans. Through His life, he shows us God’s way and models perfect obedience. Through His death, our sins are forgiven. Through His resurrection, we are given new life and victory. All of this is an expression of the undeniable and unequaled love of God.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, God incarnate, in humble and unlikely circumstances. It is a reminder of the magnitude of God’s love for His creation and the power of His redemptive plan. It provides an opportunity for believers to worship the King who conquered sin’s power over men’s lives and provided a way of reconciliation with God. It may sound like the stuff of fairy tales and imagination, but it’s the real account of how only God can save and satisfy the soul. That’s the real Christmas story.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

In a recent session of the 116^th Congress, Congressman Ted Deutch offered a public commendation in honor of the ministers, pastors and priests in his district. It was done in acknowledgement of Clergy Appreciation Day (also known as National Pastor Day) which annually falls on the second Sunday of each October. October is also nationally recognized as Clergy Appreciation Month, and congregations hold special services, events or activities to honor their ministers for the spiritual guidance and leadership that they give. Many of them provide valuable influence and service to the larger communities in which they minister as well. We are blessed to live in a nation that recognizes the significance of the faith community to the overall well-being of society. The work and influence of ministers, in general, should not be discounted because of the negative reports of some that occasionally make news headlines.

The Bible provides numerous descriptions of the qualifications and work of ministers. One of my favorites is Jeremiah 3:15, “And I will give you pastors according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” In Jeremiah’s day, God was unhappy with His people’s rejection of the covenant relationship He had established with them, in favor of worship and allegiances with foreign deities. Much of their unfaithfulness was caused by leaders who led the people astray (see 2:8). After calling them to account, God promised to provide shepherds (leaders and pastors) who would give proper guidance to the people. In a recent pastor’s installation service, I shared three considerations from God’s description of pastors in Jeremiah 3:15. True pastors will fit and model this description.

Pastors are assigned by God. The clear revelation of Scripture is that pastors are called and assigned by God to proclaim His word, minister to His people, and lead His church. As Moses and Joshua were called by God to lead Israel in the Old Testament, and the disciples and Paul were chosen by Jesus in the New Testament, so, too, God still calls men and women to serve today. No one can call and confirm himself to any function or ministry of the pastorate. Evidence of God’s call must be recognized by others and confirmed by the church. God says, “I will give you.” Though the function of pastors may appear to be a job, and some may make it a career, the truth is that the pastor is fulfilling a divinely ordained assignment. He functions in response to an undeniable calling upon his life. He goes where he goes and does what he does because he is assigned by God.

Pastors have God’s heart. They serve according to God’s will and function in a manner to His liking. Since they are called by God, they are duty bound to serve according to His word and His way. Though they may serve the people, they serve in the interests of God. They must, therefore, be God-pleasers not men-pleasers. Pastors after the people’s heart will tickle their ears but pastor’s after God’s heart will touch their souls. Pastors after the people’s heart will give them what they want, but pastors after God’s heart will give them what they need. Pastors after the people’s heart will change their messages to fit the times, but pastors after God’s heart will proclaim the timeless truths of an unchanging God. Pastors will one day give account to God for their service. They must, therefore, faithfully proclaim God’s word, promote God’s interests and represent God’s heart.

Pastors feed God’s people. Like a shepherd who provides green pastures for the nourishment of his flock, so the pastor feeds God’s people with the milk, bread and meat of God’s word – the Scriptures. His sensitivity to the heart of God will enable him to communicate spiritual truth to the human condition. Faithfully preaching and teaching God’s word will turn converts into disciples and believers into mature saints. Jeremiah 3:15 notes that pastors will feed God’s people with knowledge and understanding. This enables them to become like the sons of Issachar (1 Chron. 12:32) who understood the times and knew what to do. Don’t underestimate the value of your pastor to your life. Appreciate his spiritual guidance. Take time to give honor and thanks for his service.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

When it comes to being on the alert and ready at any moment to do the job, it’s hard to beat the Pony Express. This historically famous mail service between St. Joseph, MO, and California depended on constant movement and readiness. Relay stations were established every 10 to 15 miles. A rider would shout aloud as he approached a station, giving the station master very short notice that he needed to be outside waiting with a fresh mount. We have this service’s intriguing example of what it means to be ever watchful. (Today in the Word, Dec. 1997, pg. 17).

Matthew 25:1-13 details a parable of the kingdom of heaven that Jesus gave to His disciples to teach their need to be watchful and ready for His return. Two groups of virgins were distinguished by their preparedness: those having extra oil were considered wise, while those who only had what was in their lamps were considered foolish. All of them were waiting expectantly for the Bridegroom to come. Verse 5 relates: while the Bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. When he finally came, only those who were ready (who could light their lamps because they had reserve oil), were able to go with him to the wedding.

The need for preparation extends to any area of our lives and Christian walk where we anticipate opportunities for advancement and advantage or have an expectation of God to manifest His blessings upon us. Will you be ready when an opportunity knocks at your door? Are you prepared for God’s blessing? It’s not enough just to expect His favor and the fulfillment of His promises. We must be prepared for them. An opportunity loses its value if you are unable to seize it.

According to Merriam-Webster, preparation is the “activity or process of making something ready or becoming ready for something.” This may involve education such as needed for a career or information regarding an appealing opportunity. It will require discipline to remain focused on the goal while avoiding distractions or discouragement. Patience and perseverance will be a necessity to endure the length of time the process may take. In the end, however, we will find ourselves ready and positioned to maximize the opportunity when it comes.

The danger in not being prepared is that, like the foolish virgins, when the time arrives for God to move, we may miss out on His blessing, favor, or power. Harrison Ford was a struggling actor in Hollywood getting small parts and supporting his family by working side-jobs as a carpenter. He was building cabinets at the home of George Lucas when he was given a supporting role in the film American Grafitti. That led to an opportunity to audition for Star Wars where Lucas was so impressed by Ford’s ability that he offered him the role of Hans Solo, and the rest is history. The carpenter became a successful leading actor because he was prepared.

Will you be ready for your next opportunity? Are you prepared for a demonstration of God’s favor in your life and circumstance? Are you ready to meet the Bridegroom? What steps do you need to take to position yourself for what you desire or intend for your future? You must remember that expectation coupled with preparation, will bring about manifestation. We must be ready!

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

King Solomon’s observation of life and human behavior resulted in numerous conclusions which are undeniably true. This particular truth relates to the fluid nature of the human experience. Nothing remains the same, everything changes and there is an appointed time or season when change will occur. In nature, we identify the progression of time through the changing of the seasons from Spring to Summer, from Summer to Fall and from Fall to Winter. Each comes with its own unique personality and characteristics (colorful flowers, hot sun, falling leaves, frigid temperatures).

Depending upon where one lives in this country, or on this planet, some seasons are more readily seen and experienced than others. South Florida tends to be a perpetual summer experience with a brief autumn respite (in my opinion).

An awareness of the coming change in a season enables us to prepare for it and adjust to its uniqueness. As we age, we also go through seasons of life with characteristics, expectations and responsibilities that are unique to each phase. The one constant, however, is that there will be change. Nothing lasts for too long, and each season fulfills some purpose.

The varying experiences that we face (challenge, struggle, satisfaction, success etc. …) also tend to be seasonal. We would love to park at the particularly pleasant and rewarding experiences of life and live the remainder of our days there, in peace and tranquility. The inevitability of change, though, indicates that we’d do well to be prepared when our situation undergoes a transition to something else. Though we may not appreciate change, especially when it involves moving from something good to something bad, Solomon’s wisdom indicates that each season serves a purpose.

If you are favored with good circumstances (a good season), celebrate your accomplishments and enjoy your life. Be mindful, however, that things may soon change. If you are in a bad situation (season), seek to understand what lessons it may offer for your future benefit, or for others who are around you. Know that it will not last forever, and that you may well come out the better for it. Sometimes the challenges and difficulties of life are necessary to release the hidden greatness, brilliance and potential that lies in all of us. Consider that the caterpillar must go through a period (season) of isolation, darkness and struggle before it emerges as a beautiful butterfly. And oysters must endure a season of agitation and discomfort in order to produce the costly pearl.

Whatever season you may find yourself in, make the most of it by adjusting to its demands and facing it with confidence. Thank God for bringing you to it, or trust Him knowing that He will see you through it. You have not arrived at it by accident. Though you may be incapable of controlling what happens to you, the power to manage your response is all yours. Be grateful to God for His blessing or His mercy in each circumstance. He has brought you to this for a season and for a purpose.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302. The church celebrated its 90th anniversary over Labor Day weekend. 1924-2014.

The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit? Proverbs 18:14

Life’s challenges can be successfully overcome when one’s spirit, inner being, is strong and healthy.

The power of one’s inner drive is undeniable in attempting and accomplishing great feats.

Mental fortitude, control of one’s thoughts, disciplined reactions, and an optimistic outlook are traits of a healthy spirit.

Solomon’s observations about life revealed that even physical sickness cannot break down a person whose spirit is healthy. The will to live and survive often sustains the one facing an infirmity.

The importance of the spirit to our management of life however, is shown in the reality that when it is broken, life is unbearable. If a healthy spirit enables us to face unhealthy situations in life, how are we to go on when our spirit is unhealthy and broken? When the thing that you rely on for support becomes unstable, what do you do?

We live in a world where many things threaten to break our spirits. Stress from work, financial, family and personal issues are taking a toll on far too many. The pressures of life have driven some over the edge and left others teetering close to the brink.

Solomon does not offer a solution so much as make the observation, but perhaps he wanted us to consider the need to maintain a healthy spirit. Our bodies are kept in health by a proper diet and exercise. What are we feeding and ingesting in our inner being? What are we listening to that may be affecting us for good or for bad? What kind of thoughts are constantly streaming through our minds informing our attitude and disposition? What do we possess internally that will help us to address the external issues that we face daily?

It has been discovered that a common trait among successful people is that they meditate at least once a day.

The ability to sit silently, close out the world, and concentrate on one’s inner self has been proven to be therapeutic and advantageous to a person’s wellbeing. Meditating upon God’s mercies, His love, and His plans for us help believers to maintain a healthy spirit.

Solomon’s father, David, remarked in one of his Psalms, “I would have fainted had I not believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13). Thinking about and anticipating God’s favor upon his life sustained David in some harrowing experiences (facing a lion, a bear, a giant, and a jealous king).

If your spirit is unhealthy or broken, you can regain vitality by feeding it with the instruction and promises of Scripture.

Connect or re-connect with God in a relationship that recognizes His sovereignty and your dependence upon Him. Meditate upon His truth and strengthen your inner man through obedience and faith. Allow your thoughts to be directed by what is good, pure, right, just, honest and lovely. Let your attitude inform you how to respond to adversity, rather than be emotionally driven by the circumstances of your life.

Live selflessly and learn to love your neighbor as yourself.

Be thankful for the good things you have experienced, for lessons learned in adversity, and for the people who bring out the best in you.

Practice kindness and hospitality daily. Laugh often and smile consistently. These are the types of activities that promote a healthy spirit.

Strengthen your spirit and transform your outlook. Transform your outlook and watch how it will affect your life.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the Pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441, 954-427-0302. The Church just celebrated its 90th Anniversary over Labor Day weekend — 1924-2014.

“Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations “(Psalm 90: 1).

Moses’ statement written for the benefit of the tribes in the wilderness is often borrowed and applied to contemporary communities of faith.

It is a declaration that beyond buildings and roofs, God himself is the abode of the believer.

In God, he puts his trust, his confidence and his faith. His offspring and succeeding generations inevitably follow the same pattern and make the same proclamation. It springs from the realization that God guides, comforts, protects and provides for those who put their trust in Him. He can be counted on to be faithful, dependable and true.

One such community of faith in our fair city is the Cathedral Church of God (365 S. Dixie Hwy).

For 90 years, the congregation has witnessed the faithfulness of God as they have served him and the community.

In August of 1924, at the corner of Dixie Highway and SW 2 Street, a small group of Christian believers proclaimed the “Full Gospel” and laid a foundation for what would become Deerfield Beach’s first Pentecostal church.

In the ensuing decades, the church would grow as many individuals and families began to put their faith in God and bear witness to the power of the Gospel. Many of the founding members’ progeny are still actively involved in this ministry of faith.

Today, the church is celebrating a rich history and legacy that has lasted for several generations. Cathedral Church of God is one of the leading congregations in the Florida/Cocoa Church of God (Cleveland, TN). It has produced numerous leaders who have served the state and national offices in administrative positions. Various other ministries and congregations have also emanated from the church.

Current community outreach includes an afterschool tutoring program, bi-weekly feeding program, and support for various social service agencies. All of which are an expression of an abiding faith in God and a desire to demonstrate that faith in service to others.

In honor of their 90-year milestone, the church is planning a host of activities for the month of August.

In addition to the dynamic worship and preaching that takes place every Sunday, there will be an outreach to the community on the church’s property August 13 to 15 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. each night. Activities include music, testimony, proclamation and praises, as well as distribution of bags of groceries and children’s backpacks on Friday, August 15th.

Saturday, August 30 at 3 p.m., the church will hold a celebration and homecoming service with many dignitaries (both civic and ecclesiastic), ministry partners, friends and former members.

The concluding event will be a grand banquet at the Westin hotel in Ft. Lauderdale on Sunday August 31 at 3 p.m.

The entire community is invited to come and help celebrate in any of these events.

More information can be obtained by calling the church’s office at 954-427-0302.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly,

Pastor

Cathedral Church of God Deerfield Beach