“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” Matthew 1:23.
Christmas is here and as we enjoy doing the decorations, packing gifts with the family, and the snow, the actual message of this season is that there is hope for a lost world.
God left his heavenly throne to dwell among humanity, He came to live and die for us, and at birth, the angels said, “on earth peace, goodwill to men” (Luke 2:14).
Jesus came at a time of unrest and violence in His country when the Romans were oppressing His people but He did not fight against them or raise an army against them. Jesus came to reconcile God and man because He is the prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6). In fact, He bore the punishment of our sins, to bring us back to the Father.
Christmas is a time when we are called to love others sacrificially and embrace our identity as salt and light in this broken world. We are ambassadors of peace because the gospel’s message is about God’s peace, love, and hope.
Here are some ways you can show God’s love with actions to others:
1. Bake Christmas treats for your neighbors
While you enjoy baking cake and cookies for your family, you must also think of those around you who cannot afford to do so or are too aged and alone during this season of joy and togetherness.
Jesus taught us the valuable lesson of loving others as ourselves. Humbly, he went to the cross to bear the punishment of our sins, to restore us to the Father. He is our peace and our living hope, (Ephesians 2:14, 1 Peter 1:3).
Jesus imparted important teaching to His disciples about the greatest commandment that is to love God with your whole heart and to love your neighbor as yourself.
2. Invite a family over for dinner in your home
When the disciples asked Him “who is my neighbor,” Jesus told them the story of the good Samaritan. He said that there was a man who left his home to go on a long journey and on his way he was attacked, robbed, and left for dead.
A priest and a Levite both passed by and ignored him but a Good Samaritan whom Jews despite, stopped and felt compassion for him and dressed his wounds, and even laid the hurt man on his own donkey, and walked beside him.
He also went above and beyond by paying for the stranger’s food, and lodging at a local inn. He was generous and willing to surrender his time and resources in compassion for the man. We are followers of Christ and are also called to love others the same way as Jesus all the time.
There are many families who have practically nothing at Christmas due to unemployment, pay cut, sickness, and lack. Is it fair that we enjoy the festive food while our brothers and sisters suffer in need? Let us invite at least one family for dinner at Christmas time and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
3. Give people the gospel at Christmas.
Jesus gave us the “The Great Commission,” and the command to spread the gospel and make disciples of people from every tribe and nation. Jesus reminded us that He has not left us alone but in Matthew 28 He proclaims Himself as king and that all authority in heaven and earth belongs to Him.
He also promises that He will always be with us, to the end of the age. This Christmas season reminds us that Jesus is with us and He is the one who provides courage to give the message to others. ..“[d]o not be afraid… for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:8, Isaiah 41:10).
We wish all our wonderful readers, a Blessed and Merry Christmas!
