Did you ever stop to think about the families who encounter more than your 'normal' stress this season? There is the neighbor who just lost his mom. Remember your friend who would love to have the stress of shopping for a little child. Keep in mind the woman whose husband fights everyday for our freedom and will not stop to celebrate Christmas. Do not disregard the man or woman struggling as a single parent. Do you ever think about the person cuddling up tightly under a bridge way in the city just to stay warm for the night? Also, remember the relative who is too weak and sick to get out of bed.
"She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy." (Proverbs 31:20)
and extends her hands to the needy." (Proverbs 31:20)
"If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need." (Deuteronomy 15:7-8)
Poor may come in various forms. We may experience poverty in spirit, funds, love, joy, peace, etc. Unfortunately, we become selfish. We fail to look beyond our home and our needs to those who have less or struggle emotionally. We may even pass it off by saying, "Oh, someone else will help them" or "I just don't have the time this week."
What if everyone said this statement???
"then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (Philippians 2:2-4)
I was reminded in church that Christmas is NOT about gifts, shopping, hosting, baking or Santa's list. We are to celebrate the greatest gift ever given, the birth of our Savior. He is the reason for the season and we must fall on our knees in thanks for our God to give the gift of His Son. Every man, woman and child receives this gift. No person will go through a day without His gift offered to them. As we receive this gift, FREELY given, we must go and spread the good news. We must put all our needs away, think nothing of our desires; but seek those in need. Give back to our God by being like-minded and spreading the same love and blessing you receive from Him.
Take this season and turn it around from what society believes is the reason. Make this season all about giving to others. Find a person to bless every day. Engage in conversation with your friend, spend time with a neighbor, extend a hug to a child, take a blanket or warm meal to one without, send a thank you to a soldier and his family, sit a while with the sick, invite a single parent and kids over for dinner or go help shovel another person's driveway when snow hits. It does not take money to be the hands and feet of God. No matter what financial standing we currently experience, we can offer something. If nothing else, pray for the individual. As you lift them in prayer, God will send whatever the person needs. He listens to the cries of His children.
God, thank you for this day. Thank You for my church family to remind me of the importance of this season. I pray that I extend this season throughout the whole year and continue to give when seeing a need. I pray for a constant reminder of the birth of Your Son. Thank You for bringing Him into the world to live among us, teach Truth, set examples of how we are to live and then to die for us wretched sinners. I am here to thank You every day by shining Your light and spreading the good news. I love You.
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
No comments:
Post a Comment