Date:
December 20, 2022Christmas Gifts
There has only ever been one perfect gift, and it was given more than 2,000 years ago. This gift is too wonderful for words. In fact, the Bible says it’s indescribable.
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Love
Jesus told His disciples to love one another “as I have loved you” (John 13:34). That wouldn’t be so hard if the love Jesus displayed was primarily the write-a-cheque or call-once-a-month kind of love. But Jesus set the bar immeasurably high. Jesus’ kind of love touched the skin of a leper and washed the feet of a soon-to-be betrayer. He didn’t mind interruption by another’s demands, even those of a person all others disdained. Jesus had the uncanny ability to look straight into a person’s soul to see the deepest need there.
Is that an impossible example to follow? You bet it is! That’s why God sent the Holy Spirit to live inside us and empower us with His supernatural love. Only when “plugged in” to that power will His followers stand out in their treatment of others and of one another. Then people will take notice and say, “My, how they love one another!” Let these resources set you on the path of loving with the Saviour’s love.
Christmas Minus the Pizzazz
The first Christmas was simple, not a lavish event. Jesus’ birth remains the purest and most beautiful story in all of history.
When Self-Esteem is Missing
When self-esteem is missing from our lives we erect defences, wear masks, or become clowns. But when we have self-esteem we are able to love, give of ourselves, and pull the best out of others.
Rescuing Our Spouse
One of the benefits of having a married partner in life is you have someone who will rescue you. Not to enable one another, but a genuine and wise rescue, where if you didn’t have your partner to take you in another direction, you would deeply regret your actions.
Transparent Tenderness
Tears have a language all their own. In some mysterious way, our bodies know their verbal limitations and then the tears come.
One of the most significant contributions the legacy of a woman leaves upon the world is an unguarded tenderness. This softens our spirits and our souls. Don’t stop. The world is hard—don’t pick up on that. Stay tender.
Living by Faith
Think of all the ways you act in faith every day: you trust pharmacists to fill your prescription correctly, you trust pilots to get you safely to your destination, and you trust contractors to build properly. The funny thing is, when it comes to having faith in the Creator, people are often amazed at the thought of believing in a God we can’t see.
Living Happily Ever After
We have always been fascinated with stories—especially the ones beginning with those same four words “Once upon a time…” and ending with “And they all lived happily ever after.” Oh, that it were true! Living happily ever after only happens in fairy tales. Wish instead for a full life, one that's satisfied, godly, balanced…and reasonably sweet.
Practicing Tough Love
When attitudes need to be put in check, tough love is required. Parenting is challenging, but it’s also the most rewarding and gratifying job you’ll ever have.
When Apathy Rules
It’s one thing to be apathetic towards people. We’re often indifferent to politics and social justice—trusting others to take care and do what’s right. As serious as apathy is, apathy towards God is even more critical. When we open our hearts to God He replaces apathy with passion... and that’s when our lives are changed.
There is a Big World Out There
With all we have on the go, it’s easy to get tunnel vision and only focus on our own lives. But God desires us to be winsome people who model grace and godliness to a lost and hurting world.
