Giving, Good Tidings, Love & Celebration
The Christmas season seems to always make people a little bit more generous, a little more pleasant, a little more loving, and a little more joyous. Why is this? Because whether we realize it or not, Jesus is at the heart of this season, or at least He’s at the forefront.
Even secular radio stations and mainstream television programs preach Jesus in the songs they broadcast and the movies they air. Philippians 1:18, “…whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.” I’m a public school teacher and this season from about Thanksgiving through Christmas, you can hear about Jesus on classroom radios and in the choirs. Yes, you hear the songs singing glory and celebrating our dear Savior’s birth.
The love of Jesus is seen in people throughout this season perhaps more than any other time of year. People are more willing to give gifts to those less fortunate. People are more giving to their families, their spouses, and their colleagues. People take the opportunity to play secret Santa in the drive-thru, buying the next car’s coffee or lunch. Food donation boxes in grocery stores seem a little fuller and spare change collections seem to become more abundant. Why is this?
When Jesus is at the forefront, the heart of God is seen. God is a giving God! Look at, Romans 8:32, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” In 2 Corinthians chapter 9 we see that being generous brings glory and thanksgiving to God, Proverbs 21:26 says, “…the righteous (man) gives and does not spare.” Whether the rest of the world realizes it or not, giving and a heart to give comes from God Himself.
Deuteronomy 30:14 and again in Romans 10:8, we see an important truth, that the Word of God is very near and in your mouth and heart that you may do it! When I see the positive changes in people during this time of year I can’t deny the connection to the love of God and His nature that was placed on their hearts as He breathed life into His creation. The love and hope and truth of God, and His salvation is so near to the lips of mankind. This is why I propose for Christmas all year round!
Ok, ok. My husband said we need an extra month of Christmas because the excitement is ripped away the second all the wrapping paper’s been torn open, but I’m not talking about a year in Christmas Town. I propose the generosity of Christmas all year. I propose the freedom and the willingness to talk about Jesus all year round. I propose we take the joy of Christmas to the world, all year round. Let’s not let Christmas end today, folks. As the world around us sees the love, peace, joy, and generosity of The Father, in the name of Christ, salvation becomes increasingly closer to their lips. Amen?!
Be Blessed and Have A Very Merry Christmas,
Pastor Renée
