I Love Christmas~

I love Christmas!!! I am one of those who DOES NOT get offended with Christmas trees in September. I put the mistletoe up in my office the Monday after Thanksgiving, and one of my favorite songs is, "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas." Also, I wear jingle bells around my neck and put Christmas light appliques on my nails. I also make it a point to say, "Merry Christmas!" wherever I go, and of course I shop right along with the rest of the maddening crowds because I love the crowds!




No, I do not have a fever. I just love this season and celebrating the birth of our Savior. Is there anything better to celebrate than this anyway? I don't think so.



I am also aware that for many this is an extremely difficult time of year. I have especially been thinking about Andy's mom and dad. He is the young man who passed, and I can not imagine what this Christmas will be like for his family.



So I want to challenge each and every one of you to do something extra special for somebody else--maybe even a complete stranger.



What if your, "Merry Christmas," were the only kind words spoken to someone all day? What if your putting a little something something extra on the tip line caused the waitress or waiter to say, "Thank You, Jesus?" What if your toy donation brought a smile to a child whose parent is in jail?



But what if you are feeling blue and don't have the energy or desire to bless someone else? Read these verses:



Deuteronomy 30:8-9

...keep all His commandments and God will outdo Himself in making things go well for you.



One of His many commandments is found in Romans 12:10:

Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love.



Notice how God doesn't put any exceptions on this verse. He always says what He means, and He doesn't say only be kind when you feel like it or when everything is going well for you. If we put two and two together we can conclude that God wants us to treat others with love and respect no matter what. But, then He Himself will make things go well for us.



Dang if that ain't good news! In other words, it is never ever a bad time or inappropriate time to be kind because even if you ain't in the mood, God will bless you for it.



PRAYER:

Dear Lord, If we're being honest, we do not always feel like being nice to others, and there are some people we meet whom we would rather slap than bless. Thank You that we can be honest with You about how we feel. Nevertheless, Your Word is clear, so help us today to be a blessing. Help us to see the bigger picture: If we can rise above how we feel to be kind toward others, You Yourself will outdo Yourself in making things go well for us. We'll take that deal. In Jesus' name, AMEN~