https://odb.org/2024/12/06/the-spirit-of-christmas-2
Matthew 25 NIV – 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
When we use the phrase “Chrismas comes early,” we mean that we had received an unexpected blessing or present as Christmas represents a time of blessing in its tradition of giving and exchanging gifts.
But today, on 6th December 2024, we mean that we are going to talk about Christmas, although we are still 19 days away.
What comes to mind when we think of Christmas? Usually, it’s the preparation for the Christmas presentation on Christmas day for most of us who are active in church. It’s a hectic time of practice, decorations, and costumes. This year, I’ll be leading worship, so I would have to prepare way in advance since Christmas is on a Wednesday this year. Music practice has to be on Sunday afternoon after the church service on 22nd December. I’m sure there will be some clash since the Christmas presentation team will also want that slot.
When I was growing up, however, Christmas was a time of just chilling and getting presents. We were Christians by heritage. My family did not go to church, yet we celebrate Christmas. Since it was the year-end holiday season with no school, it was really a nice time of festivities. We get to eat nicer, specially prepared meals, listening to Christmas carols and songs and some nice terrestrial TV programmes on Christmas day (it was before the advent of satellite TV).
Matthew 25 above teaches about our inheritance in the Kingdom of God, and we will get ours when we fed Jesus when He was hungry, when we gave Him a drink when He was thristy and when we clothed Him when He needed clothes or we visited Him when He was in prison or cared for Him when He was sick. In the later verses, Jesus explained that whenever we did all those things to the least of His brethren, we did that to Him.
This year, as Christmas approaches, let us get into the true spirit of Christmas. Let’s celebrate the birth of Christ that brought salvation to the world, ushering love, peace, and joy – by helping those in need. The needy, the weak, and the oppressed always have a special place in God’s heart. What better way to the heart of the Lord by helping out those who are dear to Him? Let’s bring the joy of Christmas to those who are less fortunate around us! Amen!
Ronnie's Thoughts 