Thank you for reading the message this week. I hope that you are all doing well. For the next few weeks, we will be having messages with a Christmas theme.
The Advent season is a time when we anticipate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. It is to be a time of hope, love, joy and peace. We are to let our hearts be filled with the spirit of the season of Christmas. It is the time to put aside negativity, selfishness, greed and the other emotions and actions that lead to discord and meanness in our world.
That is what it is supposed to be. However, that isn't always what seems to happen at this time of year. Often, the time around Christmas is filled with a great deal of negative actions and emotions as well as depression and loneliness.
Those of you who have read the blog for awhile known that in addition to writing and ministry work, I also work in retail. I have to deal with customers all of the time, and let me tell you, it seems that every year the people that I deal with are becoming more rude and nasty. This seems to be especially true during the holiday season. It is already in full swing this year. And it's not just me who is noticing this. My colleagues at work have noticed it, and a national radio show has had reports on the rude and obnoxious behavior of many that is increasing.
As believers in Jesus Christ, let us make sure that we do not engage in rude and offensive behavior during this holiday season. It is not a good testimony for the Lord when those who claim to be His followers act in a mean and unkind manner. Those of us who follow Jesus should be the kindest and most respectful of people in our interactions with others. We want the people that we interact with to see the love of Jesus living in us and coming out of us to others.
There are a couple of things that I would like us all to keep in mind as we enter the holiday season. First of all, remember the words of Jesus when He said to do unto others as you would have done to you. Always treat others in the same way that you would like to be treated. Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Also, remember the admonition of the Apostle Paul that we should always be kind do one another and tenderhearted.
When you are with family and friends, or out shopping, remember to always think about what Jesus would do in any given situation. If we pattern our lives and actions after the Lord Jesus, we can't help but to have a great holiday season.
Finally, remember the message of the angels to the shepherds during this holiday season. They came bringing a message of peace to all. Let the peace of Christmas be in your heart. Let Jesus guide you and let His peace be in you. And may you give the peace of Jesus to all with whom you come in contact this holiday season. Amen.
Prayer Requests
There is supposed to be some bad weather in my area over the next couple of days. Pray that we don't have any ice problems.
Pray for peace in this world. I am glad that some of the hostages have been freed. We need to keep praying for peace in Israel. Pray that peace will prevail during this season of the Prince of Peace. Also, continue to pray for peace in Ukraine, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and other places where there is turmoil.
Keep praying for those recovering for the storm in Acapulco.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Taiwan and Guinea. Pray that many will come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Next week, we will continue with a message for the holiday season. On Monday, I will post the verses. May God bless you all.
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