Christmas Break

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
December 20, 2023
Matthew 2:18-25, Luke 1:26-38

Today is the first day of “Winter” or “Christmas” break for my grandkids and they are excited! One of the things one of my grandsons said that he was looking forward to during break was not only Christmas Day, but also no homework assignments . I remember feeling exactly the same way; sleeping in, eating cereal in front of the T.V., lounging around in my pajamas all day, you probably have some memories of school break you could add here.

It is ironic then, that I should come across an Advent devotional that issued a “Christmas Assignment”. In his devotional A Season of Joy, A celebration of Christmas, Dr. David Jeremiah writes for this day; “Joseph and Mary were given an assignment by God; Be stewards of the life of God’s Son. And they did what is required of all stewards—they were faithful. They weren’t chosen for this assignment because they were perfect but because they were willing, obedient, and faithful. Those traits of Mary and Joseph make them a model of faithfulness for us this Christmas. There is a Christmas assignment for us all: to bring the living Christ into the world around us and reveal Him to those who don’t know Him”.

There are many ways we can be beacons of light to show the way to the Savior; we can write cards of encouragement, make calls on the phone, or better yet, go in person. We can share a meal, some homemade goodies and perhaps add a note with a reference to the Christmas Story from Matthew or Luke. Whatever way the Holy Spirit leads you to lead someone to the Lord, just do it. One way I have been blessed, even just today, was in the grocery store (ugh, I dreaded it thinking there would be lots and lots of “Grinches” out there). It turned out that everyone I came in contact with were smiling and very helpful and many simply said “Merry Christmas”. Wow! I am so thankful for their witness even with a simple smile and greeting.

Perhaps that’s were our assignment starts; with a smile. I looked back on my desk calendar and found this helpful quote; “A smile is the lighting system of the face and the heating system of the heart”. Why not turn on the lights and heat up the room.

Amen!