Behind The Bells And Lights

All the stores are decorated for Christmas.  Lighted trees, inside and out, wreaths hung on the doors, arrangements of brightly colored boxes, carols playing, the salvation army ringing bells, Santa listening to excited requests of children — such happy displays of this joyful season — or is it?  For some, yes, of course.  Excitement fills their hearts; but for others, Christmas can be a sad and lonely event.

Is there anything we can do to help?  Oh, yes!  God gives us a wonderful reminder of what we can do to reach out to hurting people:  Look at the following in I John 4: 9-11:

“God showed how much He loved us by sending His only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him.  This is real love.  It is not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.  Dear Friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.”

Christmas is a lovely season to remind ourselves, and others, of the greatest gift ever given.  Do you know that gift?  If not, Father God holds it out to you today.  You only have to receive it.  Open your heart and say, “Yes, Father, I want that gift of forgiveness available through your Son, Jesus; I want that abundant life You have for me, today on earth, and for eternity in heaven.  Yes, thank you, Father.”   Did you know that, when you receive God’s gift, that He comes to reside right inside you?  He does that by His Holy Spirit.  He takes up residence to be your peace in the storms of life, your joy in times of sadness, your courage when you’re feeling weak, your wisdom when you don’t know what to do.  God takes up residence to guide you through all your days.

It’s a wonderful gift.  Have you received it?  If so, have you shared with someone else how, they, too, can receive it?  Christmas is a lovely season for giving gifts, and sharing the gift of God’s love is the most wonderful and happy gift of all.

Merry Christmas to you all, with much love.