A few years ago, I sat in my car outside a small grocery store. Snow pressed against the
windshield. My hours at work had been cut. Bills waited at home. I felt tired, unsure about
tomorrow and surely did not know how to move forward.
Inside the store, of course, I picked up only the items I needed – no unnecessaries! As I walked
to the line, an elderly woman reached for a basket on a high shelf. She struggled. I stepped over
and helped her. She smiled. Her smile felt warm. She said she had prayed for help. Her words
got me thinking, as it was just a little help that anyone could have provided; or so I thought.
On my way home, I remembered Luke 2. The world of Mary and Joseph held pressure. Travel
orders. Crowded towns. No room. Luke 2 shows a nation under stress. Families moved to take
part in the census. Leaders held power through fear. People searched for stability. God stepped
into that environment. His timing revealed intention. His arrival demonstrated love.
God sent Jesus into that environment. God moved close to people who needed Him. John 1:14
says the Word became flesh and lived among us. God stepped into human struggle. God
moved first. God gave first. He moved toward you. He offered presence before you understood
your need.
Later that day, I sat in the calm ambience of my living room, admiring the Christmas tree and my
snow globe collection. Something piqued my interest, so I reached for the family Bible on the
coffee table and flipped to John 3:16. God loved the world and gave His Son. John 3:16 states
that His love produced action. He sent Jesus to bring eternal life. The birth of Jesus shows that
God sees you. It shows that He responds with purpose.
Still in amazement of the magnitude of God’s love, I read Philippians 2:5-8. Jesus assumed the
characteristics of a servant. Jesus adopted a path that elevated people. His birth foretold His
purpose. He abandoned comfort. He picked a path that helped others. He cured the ailing. He
welcomed those who were rejected. He revealed the truth to those who held shame. His birth
reveals His mission.
I thought of the woman at the store. She needed aid. I had given it. The moment felt little, but that
was it – a little act of kindness that answered her prayers for help. According to 1 John 4:19, we
love because God first loved us. I got it! God gave; Jesus served; and now I had a path to take.
The next morning, I wrote down these simple steps:
- Give peace through calm words.
- Spread joy and support through presence with people who feel forgotten.
- Offer hope through prayer.
- Support others through acts that lighten their load.
These choices shape the meaning of Christmas and demonstrate Christ through action. Yes!
Even with the smallest acts of compassion. Allow this season to guide you toward your destiny.
Allow the gift of God through Jesus to influence your decisions. Allow your life to clearly and
visibly demonstrate the gospel message. Giving like Jesus transforms your life and the world
around you.
When you give as God gave, Christmas becomes more than a season. It becomes a life you
live.
Merry Christmas!!!