Bible Discussions/Resources
By Summer Lane
Photo: Deposit
Merry Christmas! The holiday season is here (already!), and if you’re like me, you might be feeling a mix of anxiety and joy. The blurry mesh of busy schedules and holiday events can make this time of the year seem overwhelming, and we can forget what Christmas is all about!
2,000 years ago, a miracle was born: Jesus Christ, God incarnate, came to Earth in the flesh to save humanity from their sins. What a story. What a moment. What an event worthy of celebration! This good news is the core focus of Christmas, and we sometimes forget about this wonderful cornerstone of the holiday season because we are up to our eyeballs in to-do lists, family gatherings, kids’ choir performances, and last-minute school events. But in the book of Luke (Chapter 2), there is a moment when the angels appear to the shepherds, proclaiming the birth of Christ, that I think encourages us to stop and celebrate, no matter what we’re doing:
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
This moment redefined the trajectory of humanity and fulfilled thousands of years of Biblical prophecy. The generosity and mercy of God upon man are a true inspiration and an example of how we should posture our hearts this Christmas season. What small things can we do for others amid the hustle and bustle? Is there a mission we can support? Is there someone who is suffering who could use a hot meal delivered to their home? Can we visit with an elderly widow or widower who is feeling the harsh sting of loneliness during the nostalgic holiday rush?
2 Corinthians 9:7 says that “God loves a cheerful giver.” Let all that we do be done in love and cheerfulness, and without concern for what others think. Matthew 6:1-4 reminds us, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
This Christmas season, let’s reach out to those around us – even if it’s in the smallest ways – and share the love of Christ with them. Let’s join hands in our communities, pray for each other, and rejoice in the message and the hope of Christmas and celebrate the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world.
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Luke 2
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
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Make an Eternal Impact with Your Kids and Sponsor a Child Through Compassion – Anji Sisler
Have you ever thought about supporting overseas mission work? What if you could sponsor a child who needed something as simple as clean clothes and an education? This is the opportunity available through Compassion International. Anji Sisler is a relationship specialist for the ministry, and she speaks of the beauty of their mission and how it has positively impacted her family and the way they live personally. Going overseas and helping others gives you such a different perspective on life. Anji and her husband have also adopted two beautiful children from Ethiopia, and have experienced the joy of lifting two children out of poverty firsthand. If people sponsored children through Compassion International, more of the parents would survive the horrific living conditions because of our support.
Summer Lane is the #1 bestselling author of 30 books, including the hit Collapse Series and Resurrection Series. She is an experienced journalist and editor who is covering the White House and Trump administration. She owns Write Revolution News.
Summer is also a mom and wife who enjoys rural country living, herding cats, and gardening. She is passionate about writing on women’s issues, parenting, and politics from a theologically-grounded perspective that points readers to the good news of the gospel.
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