When many people think of the Christmas season, the following things come to mind… Stories and TV shows on and even visiting Santa, the Christmas Tree and decorating, Shopping for gifts, and Family get together’s. As you see here, an earthly man that has no power to save has taken the place of Jesus. Although, there is nothing wrong with Christmas trees and decorating, it can be a distraction if there are ornaments of Santa, reindeer and Jesus is left out. On our tree, we have some great ornaments but also crosses, manger scenes and a star, in order to bring our attention to Jesus. Shopping is not bad if it is about giving and not receiving. Our motto is that it is better to give then to receive. Family get together’s is a great thing, however, if our time together does not mention Jesus and His birth, then it may seem good and all, but not so good after all because there was no focus on God. God should never be left out of our conversations, especially during this Christmas season. For that reason, is so much better to open up the Bible and read the stories of Jesus’s birth in Matthew and Luke. It is also great to go to Isaiah, chapters 7-9 and Micah, chapter 5, to read some wonderful prophesies of Jesus. Doing this will really help us understand how the prophesy of Jesus did come true exactly how the Bible says it would. God’s Word is amazing for things come to pass as it reads.
Speaking of giving, when we give what we have to those that have not, then it is not only doing God’s work but also brings a special feeling in the heart of the giver. The best thing that has ever happened to me during the Christmas season was not what I received but what I gave. For example, not to long ago, I got wind of a coworker who was single and didn’t have a Christmas tree and any money for gifts or food for her young boy. After hearing about this I could not help but want to help. So I got some friends together from work and from the outside. What was cool is that each person also wanted to do their part. So one person got a tree, another person got ornaments, another person got food, another person got some gifts and other person got some gifts. We also pitched in some extra money put it in an envelope. Then, after finding out her address, we went to her house, late at night. We then went forth and laid the tree, ornaments, food, envelope and gifts on her front porch, knocked on the door and then ran away in secret. We watched from a distance as she opened the door. She was stunned and even fell to her knees as she cried for joy. The next day, she came into work with tears in her eyes. She then went on to tell everyone how she had nothing but then out of nowhere, she found a tree, ornaments, gifts, food and money on her doorstep. She said that she was so depressed, but this made everything right again. She was so thankful, as tears were flowing down her face.
I share this story with you so that you understand the importance of giving. What you do for someone may not seem like a big deal but to them might mean the world. So when you get these promptings to give to someone in need, jump on these opportunities. It is God that is trying to tell us something, so listen up and heed His counsel. You don’t know what person you will bless next by your kindness and compassion. In closing, where do we get these desires to give? But from God, of course. And how is that, because it started off with the Father. 3“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He gave His Son, that we may live. Then, the wise men gave to the Son, their gifts. 2“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” And Jesus, to fulfill His ministry, gave His life for mankind as a random for our sins. For it was foretold at His birth, by the angel Gabriel, to Joseph, 1“and she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” This is the reason why we give. We give just as God gave His life for us all and was lifted up on the cross. For this reason, I give Him all the glory and honor. To Jesus, we are free indeed. I rejoice in the name of Jesus.
Let us pray:
Lord, thank You for giving Your life for us. What You’ve done for mankind is the greatest act of kindness that anyone has ever made. I cherish every moment, just thinking of what you’ve done. What You’ve done has opened the doors for salvation, and for that I give You praise. My heart is Yours, Jesus. I come willing to Your feet, that You may continue to wash me of my sins each day. You are my King and I worship You. You give me the desires to love one another and to give what I have to those less fortunate. I may not be rich but I still find ways to have money after giving to those in need. Yes, Lord, You make this all possible and make a way so that people are blessed. I am so grateful to be given opportunities to serve You and to bring peace to others. Each time I go out of my comfort zone and rely on You fully to lead the way, things go so well. Even when I open my mouth, it is filled. I don’t have to rely on my own self, for You are there to help me. I pray that You will continue to use me to bless other people. Help me to always have a giving heart. And please instill this desire in the hearts of many. I pray that Your love will go forth and touch many souls. I trust in You Lord. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Matthew 1:18-25 (KJV)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.
2Matthew 2:1-11 (KJV)
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
3John 3:13-18 (KJV)
13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.