For this week’s Monday Minute, Muriel shares how to show God’s love. She cites three techniques Jesus taught us.

light path to god's love

3 Techniques Jesus Gave Us to Show God’s Love

by Muriel Gregory

 

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 ESV (emphasis mine)

 

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year….” Are you singing with me? The countdown till Christmas has started. The decorations are dusted off and fill the house with cheer. The lights on the homes and the streets are brightening the night. The mood is light. Cookies are baking, hot chocolate is steaming. Yes, I love Christmas.

 

If you have ever been stationed in Germany or traveled there during this time of year, you know they take Christmas very seriously with their incredible Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas markets). Interestingly most countries in the world celebrate Christmas. Many of them have a secular outlook, yet still celebrate Christ Mass

 

What is it about Christmas that unites us and makes us smile?

 

I love the Gospel of John. He does not start with the genealogy of Jesus or even the baby years. He goes straight into what makes Jesus unique.

 

In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:1-5  ESV(Emphasis mine)

 

Our dark world needs hope, reassurance, and love. Our world needs Jesus. His light came into this world and shined through the darkness. Christmas is a reminder of that light and the comfort it brings.

 

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 ESV (emphasis mine)

 

Jesus dwelt among us.

He did not just show up, give a few instructions, utter a few prayers, and leave. No, He dwelt among us. The early disciples were the ones who saw his glory, told of his glory, and shared his glory. You and I know about Jesus because of their humble work. The baton has been passed on from one person to another for over 2000 years. We too need to talk about his glory.

 

Consumerism and never-ending to-do lists can steal the show. The meaning gets lost when we focus on finding the ultimate present or throwing the best parties. Gifts are good and the parties are fun. However, they cannot be our focus during this time. As the Christmas lights turn our nights into days, we should be witnesses of the light that shines in the darkness.

 

Christmas is when his glory came, and all we do should be for his glory.

 

And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. 

Colossians 3:17 The Message

 

So how do we do it all for his glory? 

 

Yes, you can have your nativity scene in front of your house. Your Christmas cards can have a beautiful verse on them. Invite your neighbors to the Christmas Eve service. All are excellent and meaningful deeds. More subtle acts can be more impactful.

 

We share his glory best when we follow his example. With whom was Jesus interacting? What did he do?

 

Here are Three techniques Jesus gave us to show God’s love.

  1. He hung out with the sinners and the outcasts. Jesus hung out with them and he healed them.

 

  1. He invited them for a meal. Not everybody will come to church on Christmas Eve, but you can bring the church to them by delivering dinner or inviting them over for a meal. 

 

  1. He saw hurting people and loved them. According to healthline.com, “Depression may occur at any time of the year, but the stress and anxiety during the months of November and December may cause even those who are usually content to experience loneliness and a lack of fulfillment.” 

 

Do you know anybody who is lonely? A spouse may be deployed. Empty nesters. Far from home. In a foreign land. Take the time to reach out and shine light in their darkness. 

 

Suicide was at a record high in 2018 in the US military. Let us be part of the healing in 2019. 

 

You may be the one in a dark place this holiday season. If you are, reach out to a trusted friend, a family member, a pastor or a chaplain. If you are in a really dark place, call The National Suicide Hotline. Their number is 1-800-273-8255. 

 

Prayer

 

“Lord, let everything I speak and everything I do be done in your name. Let me be an instrument of light and let your glory shine here. Amen.” 

Make this your daily prayer this Christmas.

Verses To Ponder:

 

Sing to the Lord, all the earth!

    Tell of his salvation from day to day.

Declare his glory among the nations,

    his marvelous works among all the peoples!

For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,

    and he is to be feared above all gods. (1 Chronicles 16:23-25 ESV)

 

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;

    make known his deeds among the peoples!

Sing to him, sing praises to him;

    tell of all his wondrous works!

Glory in his holy name;

    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

Seek the Lord and his strength;

    seek his presence continually! (Psalm 105:1-4 ESV)

 

And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;

the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3 ESV)

 

If you would like us to pray specifically for you, visit the Planting Roots Prayer Request Page.