Date:
December 13, 2018Christmas Minus the Pizzazz
The first Christmas was simple, not a lavish event. Jesus’ birth remains the purest and most beautiful story in all of history.
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Love
Jesus told His disciples to love one another “as I have loved you” (John 13:34). That wouldn’t be so hard if the love Jesus displayed was primarily the write-a-cheque or call-once-a-month kind of love. But Jesus set the bar immeasurably high. Jesus’s kind of love touched the skin of a leper and washed the feet of a soon-to-be betrayer. He didn’t mind interruption by another’s demands, even those of a person all others disdained. Jesus had the uncanny ability to look straight into a person’s soul to see the deepest need there.
Is that an impossible example to follow? You bet it is! That’s why God sent the Holy Spirit to live inside us and empower us with His supernatural love. Only when “plugged in” to that power will His followers stand out in their treatment of others and of one another. Then people will take notice and say, “My, how they love one another!” Let these resources set you on the path of loving with the Saviour’s love.
Definitions of a Saviour
The dictionary defines “saviour” as one who saves from danger or destruction. Have you ever been saved?
Who Gets the Credit?
When you care about others you discover it doesn’t matter who gets the credit. What matters is you help others reach their highest good.
The A-B-Cs of Love
I accept you, I believe you’re valuable, I care when you hurt, I desire what’s best for you, and I erase all offences. Chuck Swindoll calls this the A-B-Cs of love.
Relating to Each Other
Even if we see the same people every day of the year we do not automatically relate to one another. It takes work and effort. It takes really seeing other people, not just looking at them.
Many Names for "Family"
A family is a place that relates to one another, it’s a place where one member feels pain and is supported by others who encourage him or her in the hurt. A family is a place that listens when others speak. It’s a place that cares.
Love and Apathy
When we treat others with indifference we are making an announcement to them, declaring, “I don’t love you.” Towards whom are you apathetic?
Confident Expectations
We can live a few weeks without food, a few days without water, but we can’t live long without hope.
Going the Distance
Our world has become impersonal—and we’ve become uninvolved and reluctant to serve others. And yet, it’s in helping others we find the key to a fulfilled life.
Assimilation
A sermon will not meet our needs—we need someone to hear, someone to feel the blows in our life, someone to help us cushion the heavy weight when it drops down on us. We need to assimilate into the body of Christ.
