Trending News This Week:
- Charlie Brown Christmas play censored at a Kentucky school due to one complaint.
- School district ordered schools to remove all religious references from their CHRISTmas productions.
- Stores and restaurants refuse to play CHRISTmas music, yet still display CHRISTmas trees in their lobbies and post “Closed on Christmas Day” signs on their door.
Tis the season . . . for hypocrisy, complaints, bitterness, and rudeness. BUT, Christians are not letting the scrooges dampen their holiday spirits.
Despite every effort by the world to take Christ out of Christmas, Christians are still enjoying the season. Churches are still full, malls are still packed, Christmas lights are still lighting up neighborhood streets, and the spirit of joy and giving still fills the air as people display extra degrees of kindness.
As the world grows colder, we, as Christians, must continue to let the light of our Savior shine brightly through us. We are instructed not to repay evil for evil.
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
Romans 12:17, NKJV
Jesus said:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.”
Matthew 5:38-40, NKJV
If we cannot display the love of Jesus, especially at this time of year, then we are no different than the world. The world will only be won to Christ when they see us behaving differently than everyone else–when they see us walking in love–when they see us holding the door open for someone; when they see us letting someone else go ahead of us in a long line; when they see us smile and say “thank you,” even to the nastiest department store cashier.
Actions can speak louder than words. What are your actions saying to the unsaved person who happens to be watching you? Do your actions and attitude cause others to say, “Wow, he/she is a really nice person; I wish more people were like that”?
When others curse, we should bless. When others complain, we should compliment. When others are rude, we should be pleasant. When others become angry, we should remain calm. When others frown, we should smile. When others take, we should give.
Now, more than ever, the world needs to see the goodness of Jesus Christ. This can only be done through us, the saints, when we walk in and exhibit His great love.
Say this faith declaration out loud: Father, I am so grateful for Your Son, Jesus, Who willingly gave His life for me. I desire to be a reflection of Him in all that I do. Help me to be more patient, loving, and kind, even when those around me display selfishness and worldly ways. I want the light of Jesus shining through me to be so bright that others are drawn to it in supernatural ways.
Scripture Reading:
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name
Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”.
Matthew 1:23, NKJV
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, NKJV
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 1:1-5