In the midst of this Christmas season, the world is in turmoil; wars, beheadings, police brutality, and Christian persecution. Yet as Christians, we don’t succumb to fear and hopelessness, we endure with the joy and peace that comes with having a personal relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ. In fact, our response to chaos reflects who God is. While the world is in a panic and fear-stricken state, we have the perfect opportunity to share where our hope comes from.

This Christmas, let’s remember the true reason for this season, to celebrate the birth of our Savior and to spread the good news about Jesus Christ. What better way to honor our Savior, than by following in His footsteps and give to others what He so graciously gave to us, hope of eternal life.

Let’s unwrap ways we can give others the greatest gift ever:

• Let Our Light Shine- Scripture tells us that we are to “let our light shine before men, so that they may see our good works, and glorify God” (Matthew 5:16). Just as the wise men followed the stars that led them to baby Jesus, may others be drawn to the light of our godly conduct; to our fruit of the Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
• Humbly Serve- From his birth to His death, Jesus exemplified true humility. Even with ALL power in His hands, our Savior chose to be born in a foul-smelling manger, and to die beaten, bloodied and exposed on a cross. Likewise, may we deny our pride, our ego, and become humble servants who meet the needs of others before ourselves…”for even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”. (Mark 10:45)
• Share the Good News- The wise men all brought gifts to baby Jesus. Although he was too young to appreciate the gifts at that age, I can only imagine His thoughts when he grew up and reflected on the meaning of each gift He received. May it be so with our unsaved family, friends, neighbors or strangers that we come across. Although they are lost, in darkness, rejecting our invitations to church and the Gospel message; our prayer is that one day they will come to know Jesus as Savior. That they will reflect back on the gifts of light, humility and the Word we shared with them, and will proclaim, “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79 KJV)