“For Unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Have A Blessed Christmas
Christmas
Finding Christ at Christmas
Have you ever felt overwhelmed during the Christmas season? There’s so much to do besides the normal list of activities. Decorate the tree and house, buy presents and wrap them, attend school plays and church productions, shop, shop, shop, cook, bake, and keep juggling all of the normal balls. I remember many Christmases when I was thinking, “Where is Christ in all of this?”
Was I alone in my thoughts? I don’t think so. It is pretty hard to find time for anything spiritual when your activity level is at a ten plus. Can you relate? Is it possible to take a few steps back from the activity and seek the Savior’s presence? It is, but we must be Very Intentional about it.
Last December, when my husband was in the hospital, Christmas came to a screeching halt for me. There were no decorations put up in my home, no Christmas cards sent, and no parties attended. It was a month of hospital visits and sleep when I could find it. Funny thing though, I may have been closer to Christ than I had been most Decembers.
I could see Him in the doctors and nurses as they ministered to my husband. I could feel His presence in the halls of the hospital as I heard families weeping about their loved ones’ conditions. He was there with the hurting and those doing their best to alleviate the suffering.
If you’re missing Christ this Christmas and can’t find Him at the malls or the office parties, take part of a day and find someplace where people are hurting. Buy a fruit or snack basket and take it to a hospital, nursing home, or homeless shelter. Take a bag of toys to a migrant shelter or soup kitchen. The people there represent those who will not be spending a “traditional Christmas.” They will either be the ones receiving care or the ones giving it. Offer your time and resources to those who need it most. There you will find the Spirit of Christ. He is there among the brokenhearted. You will be enriched and your heart will be affected by those who are suffering and the kindness of others.
“Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. Matthew 25:40.
The Gift of Respect
Almost immediately after Thanksgiving, I began to think about the gifts I wanted to give this year. After mulling around what to give my family, I thought about what to give to others for Christmas this year. I want to give gifts that will last longer than a few weeks. The first gift I thought of was Respect.
Respect is a gift I can give others that will build them up and encourage them each time I see them. But I just don’t want to give it to those I know, I want to give it to those I meet on the street. What kind of people you ask?
People who have a different skin color.
People who have a different economic status.
People who have a different religion or no religion at all.
People who don’t agree with my political views.
People who come from different countries and live in different cultures.
People who are living different lifestyles.
People who look like they are living on the edge of society.
Will it make a difference to them if someone treats them with Respect? I hope so. But even if it doesn’t, I will feel better that I have treated my fellow man with the Respect he or she deserves.
What about you? What’s on your Christmas gift list? Would you like to add Respect to your gift giving list. It won’t cost you a thing and it will come back to you in spades. How about it?
Image by Cristian Ferronato, Courtesty of Pixabay.
Angels Announced His Birth
“For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder;
and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counselor,
The Mighty God,
The Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it,
and to establish it with justice and with righteousness
from henceforth even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
Isaiah 9:6-7 (KJV)
Lord Jesus, as we reflect on Your First Advent, we await Your Second Advent when You shall truly bring peace to the earth and the restoration of all things. Amen
BLESSINGS OF THE SEASON TO ALL!!!
Image by Thomas B. Courtesy of Pixabay.
Angels Announced His Birth
“For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder;
and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counselor,
The Mighty God,
The Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it,
and to establish it with justice and with righteousness
from henceforth even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
Isaiah 9:6-7 (KJV)
Lord Jesus, as we reflect on Your First Advent, we await Your Second Advent when You shall truly bring peace to the earth and the restoration of all things. Amen
BLESSINGS OF THE SEASON TO ALL!!!
Image by Thomas B. Courtesy of Pixabay.
Valerie Cullers 