Season of Love

2016

Christmas is a wonderful holiday, but it can be a hard time of year for many. Some have loss and hurts they can't explain and aren't visible for all to see. So, while you are out in the hustle and bustle of the season, remember to be kind to those around you. You don't know what others are going through. Offer to those around you a prayer, smile, helping hand, or if you're like me, a hug to a complete stranger (yes, I hug random people in Walmart.) You will never know how your kindness can lift someone's spirit and change their day. Be kind, be thoughtful, and be aware that we all go through hard times and we need to show God's love to those around us, especially during the holidays.

“By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 (ESV)

If you take ChristMAS and turn the “M” upside down, it now says ChristWAS. Christ was and is the King of the world who came to this world as a baby to be our savior and friend. He healed the brokenhearted and saved the lost.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 (ESV)

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” Luke 19:10 (ESV)

During the holiday season, we need to follow His example and love those who may be broken or in need. Be aware that, for some people, this is a time of grief, sadness, and pain.

How can we flip the script this Christmas to show others God's love? I pray the Lord guide you and reveal to you how He wants to use you to show others His love this holiday season. To show them that they are not alone and to point them to the King of the world that is no longer a baby, but a savior and friend. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother and that promise means no one will ever be alone.

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 (ESV)

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)

Even though the holidays may bring to the surface many emotions and wounds, I pray this year, if anything rises up, that you will allow the Holy Spirit to shine His truth on your pain and any lie that has caused anguish for so long. May the core belief system be rewired to align with His truth to heal the deepest wounds and flip the script from pain to promise. May you have a hope-filled holiday season as You see what He sees, find where He was in your painful moments, and discover the truth of who He says you are.

“... and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (ESV)