“For it is by grace you are saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8 NIV).
As we think of the Christmas season ahead we naturally think of gifts, but the greatest gift given to us is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is up to us to accept this wonderful gift and live for Him. After we have received God’s gift of salvation, striving to please the Lord in every area of our lives is so important. During this season many people give to the poor and perform acts of service to help others. Being a servant of God is so important and during this season there will be ample opportunities to show God’s love. Paul mentioned in 2 Corinthians what benefits service to others can bring. “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else” (2 Cor. 9:12-13 NIV). People who are touched by our kindness may be compelled to ask us why we are helping them. It is an opportunity to tell them about God’s wonderful grace and His love for them. This service for others should not stop at Christmas, but we should be helping others every opportunity we get all through the year.
Dear Lord,
Help us during this Christmas season to show your love by helping others.We know that the Christmas season gives us many opportunities to serve others, but help us also to serve you by giving to others all throughout the year. As we do this let us be a witness of Christ’s love to everyone we have contact with so that they will see Christ in us and be blessed by our unselfish service.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
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