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John 13:35 By
this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love
one to another.
Hebrews 10:25 Not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day
approaching.
Ephesians 5:19 Speaking
to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making
melody in your heart to the Lord;
Acts 10:35 But in
every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted
with him.
Proverbs 19:17 He
that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath
given will he pay him again.
Matthew 19:14 But
Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me:
for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
“For
unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ
the Lord. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward
men” (Luke 2:11, 14).
Christmas
is a time that has been set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus; however,
the true meaning of Christmas is often lost in the holiday shuffle. People
get caught up in who can afford such-and-such gift or who can throw the
best party—and they forget to give of themselves. God’s intense love for us
prompted Him to give His Son, the greatest gift ever given, that we may
enjoy an abundant, God-kind of life. As Believers, we must shift our focus
from decorating and shopping, and instead place it on the season’s true
meaning by sharing the gift of Jesus with others.
Jesus
said all men would know we are His disciples by observing the love we show
each other. Listed below are ways to help your family, friends, and
co-workers regain perspective on the season and reach out to others in
love.
1.
Make Jesus’ birth the focus of your family’s holiday celebration. Before
you open a present or bite into a turkey leg, sit down with your family and
read the account of Jesus’ birth in Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:1-12, and
Luke 2:1-20. Let this be the foundation for everything you do during this
season. You could even make a birthday cake for Jesus!
2.
Celebrate the Savior’s birth by attending Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
services at your local church.
3.
Give the gift of song and spread joy to others by caroling in your
neighborhood, local hospitals, orphanages and nursing homes. A variation to
this idea might be to bake cookies for those who are ill or shut-in and
deliver your holiday cheer in person!
4.
Instill the “it’s better to give than to receive” attitude into your
children by volunteering at homeless shelters.
5.
Take the spirit of giving to another level by serving your community. Get
involved in food drives by putting together gift baskets of food for
families in need. Collect new coats, clothes and shoes for these families
as well.
6.
Fulfill a child’s Christmas wish by delivering donated toys to children’s
hospitals (Matthew 19:14).
All
these activities can make Christmas a significant time for you, your family
and those who may not otherwise experience the love of God throughout the
year. If you find these programs are not available in your community,
sponsor them yourself with the aid of other Christians. Remember, the
holiday season is not the only time people are in need. Show love and be a
giver all year long so the world may know you are a true disciple of our
Savior, Jesus Christ!
"Be all you could be in Jesus Christ"
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