This blog space has been quiet for the past week. I could list all the responsibilities I have completed and tell you what I still need to check off my list, but I’m sure it sounds very similar to yours. We are busy people preparing for a special day.

Christmas seems to become more and more complicated each year. We strive to save money only so we can spend it and outdo whatever we did the year before. We shop, wrap, bake, and the list continues…

We’ve heard familiar sermons stating, “Christmas isn’t about the gifts.” The preachers work to pound the phraseology, “It’s all about Jesus!” into our heads. And still we shout, “AMEN and AMEN!” from department store aisles and kitchens covered with floured countertops. Countertops we clean with the salt from our tired tears.

I can easily admit that I’m guilty.

Hey, I’m up to my eyeballs in wrapping paper and cookie dough over here!

However, I want to say this…

The number one way I have learned to serve Jesus is to celebrate others. My hope is that people will recognize there is something greater living inside this heart of mine. Actually, Someone greater dwells there.

I’ve given Christ my heart, and now I want to celebrate Him through celebrating others.

• Am I guilty of spending too much on gifts? You better believe it.
• Does my kitchen look like a flour factory?  Yes, it does!
• Do I put up multiple Christmas trees and theme each one? Absolutely!
• Am I exhausted beyond belief? Mmm Hmmm
• Does this cause me to miss the true meaning of Christmas? No way!

I love my Savior, and I am so thankful for His birth. I want to give because people need it. ALL people need it.  I’m not necessarily speaking about giving exclusively to the needy. (Although that is incredibly important, so please don’t misinterpret what I’m saying.) There are also people I enjoy giving to that have the financial means to buy whatever they want. My point is that everyone needs to be celebrated in some way. Small or big, homemade or store bought, many of us find healing in knowing someone else cares.

It does not matter to me where folks reside in the financial bracket; they still need the love of Christ. And when we give a gift or share a homemade cookie over a warm cup of coffee, love flows and Christ meets us there.

Everyone needs someone to care…

Today, I want to challenge you to remember that people need kindness and love, even the souls that are difficult to love.  Oh yes, they need it as well! In fact, they probably need it even more.

There is a deep need inside everyone to be known and loved. It is predisposed humanity, flawed and broken, bitter yet sweet. When we show love to others without condition, we show Christ.

He molds us slowly and gently into who we were created to become. More like Him, less like us…

Let us celebrate Christ by loving each other.

 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

-John 13:34-35

Amen to pastors everywhere on Christmas Sunday when they teach us that Christmas isn’t about a new home wrapped up with a big, red, bow. However, I think most of us understand that.

What we tend to forget in the craziness of the season is that we need to show Jesus through His love. If we are overtired and crying into the cookie dough, it is okay. But, only if we are doing it for the right reason… Giving a lot of love tends to make one tired. It’s the best kind of tired there is.

If you can afford to give someone a house wrapped in a beautiful bow, then great! There is nothing wrong with that! But do it for the right reason. Give it to show the love of Christ.

If you can only afford to bake someone a single cookie wrapped up in a bow, then great! But do it for the right reason. Give it to show the love of Christ.

Show Jesus in the big and small. Show Him in the unique and normal. Just whatever you do… show HIM! (Tweet That!)

He was born in a humble manger, but He did not remain there. He is King! Let’s demonstrate the love of the King this season! It’s okay to be tired if the reason  we are tired is from sharing His love!

Go share some today!

Love,

Jennifer