Since the holiday season is upon us in full force, we’ll delay our last day of Paul’s second missionary journey until the New Year and focus on a ‘Christmas To-Do-List’ this week. When I saw this picture, I thought it was perfect to share. This ‘Christmas To-Do-List’ is what I want to focus on—not just on Christmas, but every day.
Rather than just BUY PRESENTS—BE PRESENT!
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” –Luke 9:62 (NIV)
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” –Matthew 6:34 (ESV)
In these Scriptures, Jesus encourages us to not focus on the past or the future. It is most important to be present in the present moment. The present is a gift for us to enjoy and make the best of. We should give our total attention to the people we are with and share God’s love and concern. Be present today and live life to the fullest. Tomorrow is never promised to us.
Do you need to consciously work on living in the present moment?
Rather than just WRAP GIFTS—WRAP SOMEONE IN A HUG!
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. –Mark 10:13-16 (NIV)
Jesus gave us an example of how everyone, even the little child, is important to Him. He pointed out how we need to be childlike in our faith, trusting and embracing Jesus in love. Embracing others can impart divine love and care, which is a beautiful way to share Jesus with others. Jesus not only embraced the little children, but He blessed them too.
Have you blessed people while embracing them with Jesus’ love?
Rather than just SEND GIFTS—SEND PEACE!
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. –John 14:27 (NIV)
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” –Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)
Jesus lived in peace throughout His life—even when He was on the cross. Before Jesus died, He told His disciples He gave that same peace to them. Since we, too, are Jesus’ disciples, we have that same access to His peace. The world itself does not understand that peace. We can live in faith, not fear, because of it. We, through the Spirit, extend that peace to all we encounter.
Are you able to share the peace of Jesus that is in you with others?
Photo courtesy of Wil C. Fry under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Rather than just SHOP FOR FOOD—DONATE FOOD!
Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. –1 Peter 4:7-9 (MSG)
Scripture encourages us to truly love others with all that we have. When we do, we are following in Jesus’ footsteps; He loved not just the righteous but even the worst of sinners. As we grow in love, we put our love into action. We desire to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and visit the infirmed.
What is one new way you can put your love into action?
Rather than just SEE THE LIGHTS—BE THE LIGHT!
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” –John 8:12 (NIV)
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” –Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
Jesus is the true light of the world. He entered the darkness of this world so that we can have the light. Jesus says we are the light of the world. Our lights will shine with the good we do and how we glorify God, our Father, with our lives. Our lights will shine and help guide others.
Do others see Jesus’ light shine through you and your actions?
Photo courtesy of John Dillon under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0); words added by hopetoinspireyou.com
Be encouraged this week to…
…consciously be present in the moments of life.
…share Jesus’ love through an embrace and blessing.
…help someone experience Jesus’ deep-seated peace.
…feed someone in need.
…illuminate the path for someone who is struggling to find the way.
REFLECTION:
Which one of the ‘To-Do-List’ items do you need to work on most?
Who can you reach out to in order to bless their Christmas?
Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” –Luke 6:38 (MSG)
Note: I will take a few weeks off to enjoy the holidays. May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas season, celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior!
