The year 2020 has been especially hard on our country. We have faced a terrible virus, called coronavirus, and a presidential election that has been different, to say the least. The virus has caused much strain on people, businesses, ball games, church services, etc., because of its contagious nature. The nation and most of the world have gone into times of panic and disarray because of differing opinions from politicians, doctors, and scientists.
Many family-owned and small businesses have closed their doors due to the virus shutdown of the economy. Some have been laid off from their jobs where production and sales have slowed down. People are frightened and have stayed mostly secluded with exception of family and friends.
The holiday season of Christmas is here, and many families will have much less to get and give this year. Even though these are not the reasons for Christmas, it does make more merriment for the youngsters and increases the joy of watching others get a sparkle in their eyes.
For many years, my wife and I, and our children when they lived at home, would find a family that we could help at Christmas. This is not to say that we are extremely monetarily rich, because we are not. But we do have love within our family and for others and this makes us wealthy.
Proverbs 11:25 tell us, “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” (NKJV)
This verse means a lot to my family and myself because it is true. Many years ago, we had a lady that helped us after I lost my job, so my wife and I vowed that we would pay it forward if we could. Kindness never goes out of style and is something shared, just as a friendly smile.
Christmas is a season of love and kindness. We are told in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (NIV)
We celebrate Christmas as a time of Jesus’ birth. There is no greater gift ever given to us than Jesus and He extends His forgiveness to us for our sinful nature and invites us to live with Him forever and ever in eternity. All we must do is confess our sins to Him and ask for His forgiveness and He will come into our heart. He will guide us and be our conscience in all that we do.
Even though this year has given many hard times and created much havoc in our worldly views, we need to reach out to each other through Jesus Christ. Kindness and helping others are a great way to do this. Reach out to others and make this Christmas brighter for them and tell them about the saving grace of our Lord and Savior. There is no greater gift anyone can receive than asking Jesus to be Lord of their life.
