Where Does the "Christmas Spirit" Come From?
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As a child and into adulthood, I’d eagerly await the Christmas season as I longed for that special spirit to envelope me in peace and joy. It wasn’t until I surrendered to Jesus in repentance and faith that I understood the true Christmas Spirit. What does it mean for Christians to engage in and share the True Spirit of Christmas?
The meaning and precious nature of Christmas changes for everyone who surrenders to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. The Holy Spirit indwells believers (1 Corinthians 3:16) and we know the eternal importance of what happened on the day we celebrate as Christmas.
1. Speak the Gospel plainly, winsomely, and with love to your beloved unsaved family and friends (Romans 10:13-17).
2. Help your church plan and implement a Christmas outreach. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, for it can be as simple as having members pay for the meal of the person behind them in a fast-food line. The giver then leaves a card for the recipient sharing why they paid for the meal (because of Jesus).
3. Invite your neighbors to your church’s Christmas services.
4. Bake Christmas goodies and give trays of them away to loved ones and neighbors. Include a hand-written note of Christmas greetings that speak the Gospel.
5. Visit church members who are shut-ins and take Christmas food and/or gifts.
6. Arrange to go to a local nursing home and sing carols to the residents. Take time to meet and greet the residents and staff and share the good news of Jesus’ first advent.
7. Make cookies, bread, and candy trays and take them to your local public servants along with a handwritten Christmas card that includes information about your church and the Gospel message.
8. Have a special meal for your community’s poor. Members can serve and then join your guests at their tables. Gifts can be distributed and your pastor can share the true meaning of Christmas.
9. While most homeless shelters see the greatest number of volunteers at Christmastime, it’d be a unique treat for them to have your church bring a special meal for their staff.
10. Pets are enjoyed by many people. Their owners would appreciate some special dog and cat treats and perhaps a special gift for the pet(s). Leave a note expressing thankfulness for God’s creation and that Jesus was born in a manger that housed animals.
These ideas may seem simple, but when we do them with love and to make much of our Lord, He will be glorified through us (Galatians 1:24).
Merry Christmas!
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/jacoblund
