The twinkling lights, the warmth of hot cocoa, and the sound of familiar carols all signal the arrival of Christmas—the season of peace, joy, and reconciliation. It is a time when communities come together, weaving a tapestry of family, work, and faith. In the spirit of this season, we find inspiration from the timeless message of Christmas, and from resources like CBMC (Christian Business Men's Connection), we discover the transformative power of belonging to a Band of Brothers.
Christmas, at its core, is a celebration of reconciliation. It is the divine proclamation that God, in His infinite love, sought to reconcile humanity to Himself through the birth of Jesus Christ. As we gather in our communities of family, work, and faith, this message reverberates, encouraging us to seek and receive reconciliation in our own lives.
CBMC stands as a beacon in this journey, offering men a platform to connect, grow, and anchor their manliness in the teachings of Jesus. The Band of Brothers formed through CBMC is a testament to the power of community, especially during a season that emphasizes togetherness. These men, seeking to emulate Jesus in love, decision-making, humility, strength, and leadership, create a space where the true essence of manhood is nurtured.
Peace, in the context of Christmas, is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of reconciliation. It is the willingness to embrace who God made us to be—flawed yet uniquely designed. In the spirit of Christmas, we learn to maximize the good parts of ourselves, accepting and minimizing the weaker or less favorable aspects, and submitting them to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
As we step into 2023 and prepare for the dawn of 2024, let Christmas be more than a festive season; let it be a transformative period of celebration and wonder. The peace we seek is not a distant concept but a tangible reality found in the love of God and mirrored in the relationships we cultivate within our communities.
The narrative of Christmas reminds us that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came not to condemn but to reconcile. In our families, workplaces, and faith communities, we are called to embody this spirit of reconciliation. It involves forgiving past grievances, extending hands of friendship, and fostering an atmosphere of love and understanding.
The Band of Brothers within CBMC becomes a microcosm of this larger narrative. Men, bound by a shared commitment to follow Jesus, come together to support, challenge, and uplift one another. They discover that true strength lies not in isolation but in the vulnerability of authentic community. As iron sharpens iron, these men forge bonds that withstand the tests of time and adversity.
In the pursuit of peace, we are invited to reflect on our relationships and prioritize what truly matters. Christmas prompts us to reevaluate our decisions, aligning them with the values of love, humility, and service. It is a season to celebrate the birth of a Savior who modeled a life of purposeful leadership and compassionate decision-making.
May this Christmas season be a catalyst for positive change in our lives and communities. May the principles of peace, reconciliation, and brotherhood emanate from our homes to our workplaces and extend into the wider spheres of influence. May the close of 2023 be marked by the joy of celebrating victories, the strength found in unity, and the wisdom to navigate challenges.
As we embrace the teachings of Christmas and the camaraderie of a Band of Brothers, may the dawn of 2024 find us more connected, more resilient, and more aligned with the transformative message of peace on earth and goodwill toward men.
In this season of celebration and wonder, may you find the true essence of Christmas—a season of peace, reconciliation, and the joy of doing life well with men friends who share the journey of faith and purpose.
Blessings for a Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!
Marc Ottestad