As we go through Christmas, let us think about the real meaning of Christmas. I’ve posted this video several times of facebook, because the message is so powerful. Nevertheless, it is something to revisit. So before we get to far into this post, watch this video …
As we prepare for last minute Christmas shopping, we need to ask ourselves, “do we care about the things God cares about?” Do we care about them at the level that God does? When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, he cared so much and wept so thoroughly that he began to perspire drops of blood. Do we care about the lost and needy of the world that way? Does our level of caring come close to that?
Jesus came, not just to save our sin, but to show us how to live and how to love. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” The love that he speaks of is the same love that led Jesus to that moment in Gethsemane. This is the love we must express if we are disciples of God. This is the love that should move us to reach out to a lost and needy world.
God needs us to show that love to this world. As it said in the video, we are God’s hands. We are God’s feet. If God isn’t moving, it is because WE aren’t moving. People are suffering and dying throughout this world and everyone wants to blame God. They can’t see God’s heart in the world. They can’t see His compassion and love. Why? Because we (Christians aka you and me) are not showing it. If God is not seen in situations around the world, it is because WE are not involved in those situations. God’s heart is reflected through our heart. If our hearts show depraved indifference to the sufferings of widows and orphans, then God’s presence in this world is dying.
My favorite line of the video is “Heroes are made because they are moved, not in their head, but in their heart.” This Christmas let God move your heart to become a hero for someone in need. Open your heart to the suffering and darkness of the world. Jesus is the reason for Christmas. The gift of Jesus goes beyond the forgiveness of sin. It is also the gift of sharing His love to the weak and vulnerable, the widows and orphans. (See James 1:27) Share that gift of Christ’s love to the world. We must soften our hearts to the point where it breaks for lost and needy.
What situations has God placed on your heart? Whose situation makes your heart break to the point of tears? The video speaks about orphans in Liberia, but there are people and situations all over the world that need God. He has given us a heart and a passion to help in each of these situations. We are all uniquely created to represent God in the areas that he has laid on our hearts.
Be encouraged and inspired by Proverbs 24:10-12 “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done? We must take these passions that are on our hearts and let them motivate us to action.
Finally, listen to this song by Matthew West and focus on the words. There is a bigger picture, there is a greater purpose and we are missing out. The challenge is to step out of the box and dare to see the world beyond "me, myself and I." As you get to the bridge, let that be your prayer …
“Father break my heart for what breaks yours,
Give me open hands and open doors
Put your light in my eyes and let me see
That my own little world is not about me.”
Below are some links to different organizations. They all list different ways to give or get involved. Let one of your last minute Christmas gifts be to one of these or another similar organization or someone that you know personally who is in need. Your kids/family/friends/coworkers can survive with one less Christmas present.
http://www.holtinternational.org/ (buy presents from their catalog and help needy children)
http://www.abqrescue.org/getinvolved/getinvolved.php (help those right here in Albuquerque)
http://www.nmbch.com/ (another NM opportunity)
http://www.toms.com/?keyword=tom%27s%20shoes&network=g&matchtype=e&mobile=&content=&search=1&gclid=CIGgvLS1gKYCFQwCbAodWlolng (another place where buying presents can help someone in need)
God Bless,
Justin
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