A Loving, Giving, Thankful Heart
A generous person will prosper, whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
Christmas is a time to show a loving, giving, thankful heart. It’s a time to be thankful for the greatest gift: eternal life through Christ. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. (John 10:18) We can be thankful because Christ voluntarily took our sins to the cross. He fills us with the Spirit, walks with us through life, and changes our mind and our hearts to conform to his. God sent His only Son to live a perfect life, die for our sins, giving us with eternal life. (John 3:16)
Salvation in Christ is the foundation of having a loving, thankful heart for family and friends. Since we are created in the image of God, giving with a loving heart is fulfilling and brings us joy. It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)
While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. (Mark 2:15) Jesus had dinner at Levi’s house because having a meal together can bring relaxation and good conversation. Christmas dinner together with family and friends brings love and thankfulness because we slow down and we are mindful of the importance of family and friends.
God is conforming us to the mind of Christ, and Christmas Day is great time to reflect Christ. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29) All who accept Christ become the foreknown and we are all being molded to conform to Jesus. Christmas Day is a time to remain calm, to provide support, and to help to others with a caring heart, just like Jesus.
This Christmas reflect Jesus with a loving, thankful, caring heart, providing support and help to others. Find joy in serving and the contentment of putting God and others first. Today, live as you are created in the image of God. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)
Today, enjoy Christmas Day with a thankful heart. You are blessed if you can be with family and friends, either in person or by video. Remember, you are always with Father and the Son. Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. (John 14:23) The Lord can bring great contentment and thankfulness, if we call on him to be with us, whether we are alone or with others.
Prayer: Lord, give me a loving thankful heart in every situation this Christmas Day and this Christmas season. Let my heart be grounded in thankfulness for salvation through Christ. In Jesus name’, Amen