Christmas 2021

How can it be my friends, the Christmas holiday is quickly approaching and another year is coming to a conclusion. How was your year? I pray it found you healthy, blessed, and walking closer with Jesus, as He is coming soon! The signs show it: the tumult in politics – nationally as well as globally, the escalating violence in society, the rapidity with which new diseases keep appearing, Out of all the signs that Jesus referred to as the “birth pangs” indicating the nearness of His return, there is only one that seems to be lacking, and its the only one within the control of Christians. Its the sharing of the eternal gospel of Christ to the whole world. Christ has given to His followers the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). Sharing the gospel can happen in many ways – sharing literature, evangelism meetings, written Bible Studies – but the most effective way is the method Jesus practiced; and thus left an example for us. He mingled with people as a friend. As one who cared for their well being. He demonstrated His sympathy for them in tangible ways they could see and as He ministered to their needs, He earned their trust. And then, He called them to follow Him. Far too often we expect methods other than Christ’s to finish this work, those other methods may also be helpful in outreach but they won’t finish the work Christ called us to. His method is sometimes thee hardest because it calls many out of their comfort zone and to actually interact with people and consider heir needs above our own. It takes precious time away from busy schedules to follow Christ’s method. But it yields precious results, not just the joy of helping others, or of making new friends. It’s the joy of sharing Jesus and seeing some accept salvation and the hope of eternal life!

I read a story of how long ago in Persia there lived a wise and good king. He loved his people. He wanted to know how they lived. He wanted to know about their hardships. Often he dressed in the clothes of a working man or a beggar, and went to the homes of the poor. He didn’t tell them he was their king. One time he visited a very poor man who lived in a cellar. He ate the coarse food the poor man ate. He spoke cheerful, kind words to him. Then he left. Later he visited the poor man again but this time he disclosed his identity and told the man “I am your king!” The king thought the man would surely ask for some gift or favor, but he didn’t. Instead he said, “You left your palace and your glory to visit me in this dark, dreary place. You ate the coarse food I ate. You brought gladness to my heart! To others you have given your rich gifts. To me you have given yourself!”

In 2021, let’s make it our decision to follow Christ’s method. As we allow Him to abide in and through us, it will be easier than you think!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your’s my friends!