1 John 3:18
18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Upon recently joining the church, one of the “goody bag” items I received at our Connect class was a Christ Our Shepherd bumper sticker. I’m not sure why it stuck out, but I couldn’t help but chuckle as I was reminded of an old joke where two cars were suffering from a bout of road rage when running late for church and then suddenly turn into the same church parking lot. Oops! Guess it’s unfortunate they didn’t have that church bumper sticker; perhaps they would have been just a bit kinder on the road to their fellow church member.
But what if we were to actually have stickers or labels that indicated we were Christians this holiday season? Would our actions match that label? I fear at times that all non-believers see are examples of Christians failing to illustrate the reason for the season. And that starts with each Christian changing that perception. In reality, we know this is really a 12-month endeavor not confined to the holiday season. But maybe, just maybe, folks are more ready to see and listen during this wonderful time in the calendar.
Goal for the season: On December 26th, be able to list examples of demonstrating the love of Christ to a non-believer during the holidays.
Heavenly Father, help us to celebrate the birth of your Son by showing your love to others. Amen.
