Christmas is a time of giving and receiving, but the greatest gift of all is the love of God through Jesus Christ. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are reminded of the profound truth that Christmas is about God’s love reaching out to us, inviting us to accept His gift of salvation and transformation.
The Powerful Grip of Love
Molly Brown once said, “Christmas is love tugging men’s hearts back to God with the powerful grip of a tiny hand reaching out in the bed straw.” This image beautifully captures the essence of God’s gift to us—His Son, Jesus Christ. As we open gifts on Christmas morning, let’s remember the greatest gift of all: God’s love and salvation through Jesus. Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Accepting God’s Gift
God offers us the gift of His Son, inviting us to know Him as our King, Savior, and Lord. This Christmas, let’s not wait or wonder. Let’s receive His gift with open hearts. John 3:16 reminds us of the depth of God’s love: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Reflecting God’s Love
As recipients of God’s love, we are called to reflect His love brightly and generously. There are many people in the world living difficult, lonely, and forgotten lives who need His love too. 1 John 4:19 reminds us, “We love because he first loved us.” Let’s be intentional in showing love to others, offering hope and encouragement to those in need.
Living Out the Message: Study, Share, Serve
At Lakeview Christian Church, we are committed to living out the message of Christmas through our mission to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” We do this by embracing the principles of “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve.
- Study: Delve into the Scriptures to understand the significance of Jesus’ birth and God’s love for us. Reflect on the prophecies and their fulfillment in the birth of Christ.
- Share: Spread the message of hope and love with those around you. Share the story of Jesus’ birth and the impact it has on your life. Invite others to experience the joy of Christmas through fellowship and community.
- Serve: Demonstrate God’s love through acts of service. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, helping a neighbor in need, or participating in church outreach programs, serving others is a powerful way to reflect the love of Christ.
Conclusion: Christmas is a celebration of God’s incredible gift of love and presence with us. As we reflect on this gift, let’s commit to living out the principles of Study, Share, and Serve. By doing so, we can embody the true spirit of Christmas and be a light in our community. Join us at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes as we celebrate the transformative power of Christmas and strive to “Be the change” in the world.
