Feb 07, 2011 Giving Jesus a Christmas Gift
Originally posted on December 7, 2004
“Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.”Matthew 25: 40
What will you give Jesus this Christmas?
That may sound like a question for children, who like to have birthday parties for Jesus complete with cake, candles, and singing “Happy Birthday”. But it is a question we can all ask ourselves as the holiday season begins.
According to Jesus, one of the best ways to give Him a Christmas gift is to give gifts to others. No, I’m not talking about expanding your shopping list. The expectation to buy things for people can actually prevent us from giving other types of meaningful gifts to people in need. Give the gift of ministry to someone in need and in so doing you will be serving Jesus.
Someone you know is lonely this Christmas. Make sure you call them, send them a card, or invite them over for a meal.
Someone you know is struggling with holiday depression. The next time you see them, don’t avoid them for fear of not knowing what to say. Hug them and tell them you love them.
Someone you know has had a bad financial year and now will not have the money to buy Christmas gifts. You can’t change their financial situation, but you can spend time with them in meaningful activity and show them that Christmas is about Jesus, not money.
Someone lost a loved one, is struggling in a marriage or relationship, is having a hard time with their kids, is going through job stress, feels like a failure, is fighting the battle of moral temptation, is suffering from a sickness or disease, or has some other emotional pain. Go to them and be for them a friend and faithful witness of the love of Jesus.
Someone you know will go through Christmas without knowing Christ. Pray for them and look for an opportunity to point them to Hope.
You may be the “someone” mentioned above.
What do you have to give? Much! If you are the one not looking forward to Christmas, you can make your need known to brothers or sisters in Christ. Then, ask them to help you, even in your low state, find someone else in need and go serve them.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Scott