This is the Season
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 4:2
This is the season. It is Christmas and during this time most people display a more caring and loving heart. We buy thoughtful gifts to bring joy and show love to our kids and our loved ones. We normally spend this time of year with our families to enjoy one another’s company and to celebrate the joy of the season. It is a prime time to reflect the Lord’s unconditional love to everyone, and to reveal a thankful heart to our Lord.
Opportunities may arise to tell someone about Christ should they inquire, but this is a prime time to reflect God’s love, kindness, and caring heart. It is a time to show God’s love through forgiveness, because God’s unconditional love and forgiveness are the same. You cannot have one without the other. If there are situations which lack forgiveness, this is the season to set everyone free by truly reflecting a loving and forgiving heart.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). As Christians, we seek peace with everyone with a heart of joy from being with them. We exhibit patience in all situations showing a relaxed contentment, treating everyone with kindness and respect. We are gentle in the tone of our words and we strive always to be in control of ourselves; controlling our thoughts, our words, and our actions. If we strive to live by the Spirit and do these things, we will be more Christ-like and we will reap better relationships.
Enjoy the season and be light to everyone, bringing them the joy of the Lord. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35). This is the season to reflect the love of Jesus to everyone and to fill hearts with the Lord’s love and joy. We have the power to change people’s attitudes with encouraging words and caring hearts. So this season seek to bring love, joy, and encouragement to everyone through the power of Christ in you.
Today, start reflecting the love and joy of the season to everyone. Be filled with peace, joy and encouragement as you lift others up. Listen carefully to what others say and respond with Godly wisdom and a caring heart. It is important to be an engaged listener expressing your interest in who others are and what they have to say.
Let’s Pray: Lord, help me be to a source of love and joy to everyone this Christmas and New Year’s season. Help me to fill people with your love and hope, and the comfort of knowing that you are sovereign over heaven and earth. May I do my part to make this a joyful Christmas filled with thanksgiving, especially for those in my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.