A B.L.E.S.S. Christmas

Our hearts are full of the goodness of God. We experience and enjoy what is wonderful because of the goodness of God. The goodness of God never changes, no matter how our circumstances change. As we enter the Christmas season, next Sunday marks the beginning of Advent, which means the coming and arrival of Jesus. God’s plan does not begin or end with Jesus’ birth at Christmas, or with Jesus’ resurrection, or with our salvation. As followers of Jesus, it is not just about us experiencing the goodness of God and the joy of a personal relationship with God. However, that goodness is to be shared Jesus instructs His followers in four primary ways in Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8. (1) We are to be witnesses. (2) We are to make disciples. (3) Everyone is invited. (4) Jesus is with us. You will see that there are unique opportunities to share the gifts of God during this Christmas season including the sentiment of the season, the sounds of the season, and the sharing of the season. The sentiment of the season provides an opportunity to ask what Jesus’ birth means to others and humbly share what it means to you. The sounds and music of the season allow people to hear God’s story, such as “Joy to the World, the Lord has come”; we can ask others what the song means to them. Sharing of the Christmas season reflects the goodness of God that allows us to share God’s love, our resources, our time, and our hearts during this season of sharing. Let us hear the hearts and needs of those to whom we are seeking to share the love of Jesus by using the acronym BLESS: “B” Begin with prayer, “L” Listen with care, “E” Eat together, “S” Serve with love, “S” Share your story.