Christmas is not just a holiday for us. Yes, it is a time to make merry and be jolly. But more importantly, it is a time to think of the One who made the day possible. Christmas is a time to pay forward the blessing of the Savior we received. In case you still don’t get the gist, this is what to do this Christmas.
Show love
It is an aberration and even contradiction for Christmas to exist without love. The One whose birth we celebrate is Love.
During Christmas, we are reminded of Jesus’ love for us. A love so strong that He was willing to leave heaven’s glory behind to live in this world for our sake. Although every day is a day to show love, Christmas Day is a day to show it even more. The entire gospel centers on love. (Jn. 3:16; 1Jn. 4:10)
Showing love includes giving. If you ever wondered why Christmas is associated with lots of gift-giving, it is because of two reasons. One, because it is a way of commemorating the day we received such a great Gift from God (Rom. 5:15). Two, it is a practical display of love. Christmas is about love –the agape type.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…”
John 3:16 NIV
Showing love to people does not stop at giving. Some people have everything money can buy but they lack peace. You can show such people love by praying for them. If we recollect, in His love, Jesus made it a habit to pray for us (Jn. 17:20-26). Some other people just need company or a listening ear, and a little word of encouragement could go a long way for someone. Whatever you can do within the limits God has empowered you, do so to let the love of Christ be felt.
Show kindness
Believers need to remember at all times that kindness is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). We are called to a life of kindness. Jesus was the kindest person to walk the earth.
The scripture records that there was a day when Jesus taught a multitude for quite some time and after the long day of teaching, the disciples wanted Him to send the people off (Matt. 14:13-21). Looking at it ordinarily, one would say the disciples were not wrong for this. After all, they suggested that Jesus allow the multitude to go home so they would eat.
But Jesus decided to show these people kindness. He fed them even if He didn’t have to. He fed them even if He knew that most of them would still betray Him in the near future.
One thing we can learn today is that kindness is not reserved for only good people. Jesus healed the servant who was there to arrest him, even in the middle of the ambush. (Lk. 22:49-51)
This Christmas, show some kindness to the people around you. Do not limit your charity work, giving, helping out, and good deeds to people of the faith alone. Show kindness to all. The birth of Jesus reminds us of the kindness God showed toward us even before we knew we needed it. Extend it to others. (Gal. 6:9-10; Eph. 4:32)
Kindness is an extension of the love we have within.
Tell someone about Jesus
If you have not done some form of evangelism this year, use this Christmas period to do so. One of the mandates given to us by our Savior is to go into the world and preach the gospel (Mk. 16:15). Christmas is one of the best opportunities to do so. Let people know why we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Jesus is the reason for the season. In all your merriness, be sure to remember who this day is all about. While we reflect on His wonderful display of love toward us, we should make it a day to tell people about this love. You would be surprised by the number of people celebrating Christmas without knowing its essence. Some others know that it is a day celebrated by Christians to mark the birth of Jesus but they do not understand the significance of His birth.
When that person comes visiting, as you share the food and goodies, share the good news with them. It is the best gift you can give to anyone. Nothing pleases God more than pointing a lost sinner to Jesus Christ.
This Christmas, let Christ be glorified. Proclaim the good news of the birth of Messiah in deeds.
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