ADVICE
Pay it forward
Charles Stanley has a reminder for the Christmas season ...
We're often told that Christmas is a season of giving, evident in the gifts we
so carefully wrap each year. But why do we give? Is it just tradition and ritual,
or is there something more - a symbolic meaning behind this whole process of
giving and receiving?
We celebrate Christmas because of the ultimate gift God gave to us: his Son,
Jesus, as payment for our sin. Oftentimes, it's easy to lose sight of the meaning
of Christmas due to the glitz, glamour, and over-commercialisation of the holiday
season. Yet, as believers, it is our responsibility to realise the profound meaning
of this season.
In the past, you may have thought of Christmas as an opportunity to stock up
on your DVD collection, gain a few pounds from the abundant food, or receive
another pair of socks from in-laws. But how much do you think about giving at
Christmas by offering your time and service to others?
When we think of giving, neatly wrapped presents may be the first things that
come to mind. Yet, this holiday season, think about ways you can "pay it
forward" and do something kind and unexpected for a friend, family member,
or someone else in need.
The innkeeper offered his inn; Jesus' mother, Mary, offered her body to the Lord's
service; the angel gave the good news of Christ's coming; the shepherds and wise
men gave praise and honor to God by visiting Jesus. Christ's entire life involved
service to others. These are all examples of kindness we should actively seek
to follow.
While it never gets old opening gifts and enjoying the festivities of the holiday
season, it's important to never forget the reason for our celebration. Two thousand
years ago, an innocent, perfect infant, Jesus Christ, entered this world, only
to die a brutal death over 30 years later - all so that we could experience God's
abundant grace. This was the first Christmas present in history. But it wasn't
a pretty package to unwrap. Instead, it was a selfless act of service.
Proverbs 3:3 says: "Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around
your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." When we follow these
commandments, we will feel a sense of fulfilment knowing we offered a part of
ourselves, through service, to someone else. More importantly, God will "find
favour" in our actions.
Take some time this holiday season to pay it forward. You'll never know what
unexpected kindness means to someone in need.
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