Titus 3:4-5, “But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us…” Christmas is a great opportunity to reflect and be reminded of the kindness and love of God. It is a time to remember that although we once walked in darkness – foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of pleasures and passions – when Christ appeared, we were given the greatest gift: the opportunity to step out of darkness into His marvellous light.
And this was not because of the righteous things we had done but this gift of salvation was paid for and freely given by His mercy. No matter how you have conditioned yourself, how you have strived through effort and merit, or have tried in your own competence and self-righteousness – God’s wonderous gift was given by His mercy. What a great love!Without Jesus Christ, there is no Christmas. He alone is the reason for this season. Knowing that our emotional, physical and intellectual strength alone are not sufficient to withstand the challenges of life, the temptations of the flesh and the tricks of the devil, we cannot rely on ourselves. That is why He came. We need Jesus – the one factor in the equation that changes everything.
When you focus on Him, it changes your perspective on everything else in life. Focusing on Jesus will change your perspective on how to celebrate this season. There is no greater way to honour Jesus this Christmas than to share and show His love to others. When you share a kind word to a discouraged neighbour or an encouraging smile to that lonely stranger – you honour Jesus. Share and show the love of Jesus this Christmas by reaching out to the least of these.
Prayer: Oh, Lord, help us to grow in love until it flows naturally from our hearts to others. As we celebrate Your love this Christmas, oh Holy Spirit, pour into our hearts Your passion and compassion to reach those in need. Give us Your eyes to locate those You have sent us to and help us identify what You have given to us to give to them. In Jesus’ Name, amen.