Celebrating Something Special

While most people may see today only as day of exchanging gifts, spending time with family, or football, it is really about something infinitely greater. Today, we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the fact that he walked on this earth as the only perfect human being. He suffered and died on a cross to give us hope that we may one day rise again, forgiven for all that we have done wrong, to live in eternity.

When you realize what this means, you will find that no Christmas present can even compare to this gift from God.

In light of this, when you may have to deal with unfavorable relatives… keep this verse in mind:

Love for Enemies

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.”

“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.”

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”

- Luke 6:27-36

When it may seem hard to extend a hand or love those around you, remember this and share your love. When you do, your reward will be overwhelming.

Merry Christmas!

Written by Tom Beute– a Christian, barista, and software engineer.