Keep Christ the Center of it all!

During this time of year, the phrase "Keep Christ in Christmas" often circulates, serving as a gentle reminder of a truth that should be central to our lives. What appears to be a simple suggestion is actually the basis of our calling, and it's not limited to the Christmas season. God loved the world so much that He sent His Son, and that love was evident in Jesus' life. This love continues, as He instructed us to "love one another, as I have loved you." (John 13:34) Let us keep Christ woven into Christmas—and into every part of life. How can we love like Jesus?

He forgave, obeyed His Father, was compassionate, didn't condemn, and He served.

Forgiveness:

Luke 23:34 tells the greatest story of forgiveness in the Bible. As Jesus hung on the cross, surrounded by mockery, He said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." That is the kind of mercy we should have. I've often struggled with wanting vengeance when I've been wronged, but God keeps reminding me to forgive others, even when they're not sorry.

Obedience:

Matthew 26:39 tells us Jesus prayed, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." The battle of the cross was won in Gethsemane in His prayer time. Let us fight our battles on our knees and be a 'nevertheless' kind of Christian who will be open to what God wants for our lives and not be wrapped up in our own desires.

Compassionate:

In Mark 6, Jesus was taking the weary disciples by boat to a deserted place to rest. They were tired and hungry, but when they arrived at this place, the crowd had followed them on land and was waiting for them. Jesus was "moved with compassion" (Mark 6:34) when He saw them and began to teach. Our world is filled with people who are like sheep without a shepherd. Let us open our hearts in love to build the Kingdom, always extending the kindness of Christ.

Love:

There's a story of a woman caught in the act of adultery in John 8. Everyone was ready to throw stones and condemn. There were many people that encircled her, stones firmly grasped in their hands, ready to destroy her, but Jesus said that he who was without sin should cast the first stone. The fists that were full of hatred and accusation and ready to kill suddenly let go of the judgment as the stones fell to the ground. The woman was pardoned and released - she was free to go and sin no more.

Service:

In Mark 10:45, we read Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. I think of how much joy serving brings to us when we open our hearts to give. True service asks for nothing in return we shift from self-indulgence to reaching out to others. Often, we struggle with power and position as James and John did in this story, but let us be motivated in ministry that comes from our heart, full of compassion and service.

Let Jesus not only be the center of our nativity, but the center of our lives, in all seasons.