Having a Jesus Christmas!

Christmas has different meanings for different people. For some it is a time of gathering with family and loved ones. Others enjoy the hustle and bustle of putting their house in order and decorating. There are those who love shopping for others and are captivated by the lights and decorations on display. Then there is the food and music that is celebrated as a 'Trini Christmas'. Many Christians use the opportunity to share with others the message of Jesus coming to earth in the form of a human. This was necessary so He could pay the death-penalty for our sins, allowing those who put their trust in Him to have eternal life. This was the message that we shared with the children who came out to our Bible Club Closing Program early in December.

The regular attendees always invite their friends

For our church's Sunday School Christmas program, I was asked to share on the true meaning of Christmas. I was led to examine the biblical account of Jesus' birth, and to look at how those present responded to the news that Jesus was born. After seeing Jesus, the shepherds ran to share the news of His birth with others; the children were similarly challenged to share the message of Jesus' coming to earth with their friends. Just as the wise men brought gifts, the children were encouraged to give the gift of their lives to Him, and the gift of sharing His love with others by helping those in need.

Playing a game with the Sunday School children

Our church held a 'Carols by candlelight' service where we sang traditional Christmas carols but also songs of worship celebrating Christ. We were encouraged to invite our loved ones and the church was packed with regular attendees and visitors alike. There was an opportunity to gather in small groups and pray for one another. A clear presentation of the gospel was given, and an invitation was given for those who did not have a relationship with Jesus to commit their lives to Him. Someone I invited shared how she experienced a sense of peace at the service, something that she treasured after having experienced a particularly challenging year.

Doing one of the scripture readings

We normally celebrate someone's birth by giving them presents, but what can we give to the God of the universe? In Matthew 25:37-40 we are told that when we feed the hungry or clothe the needy or visit the sick, we are doing these things to the Lord. Our church distributes hampers to those in need during the year, but a great effort is made around this time of year to make them extra special so the recipients can feel the love of Christ. We also have the opportunity to pray for and encourage the families we deliver them to.

These hampers went all the way down south
along with gifts for the families with children

This year may we all experience not just a 'Merry Christmas' but a 'Jesus Christmas' - one in which He is central to our focus in terms of how we spend our time, how we live our lives, and how we dedicate ourselves to His serivce.