Be Imitators of God

"You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look up into the Father's face and tell him you have received his Christmas gift."  - John R. Rice

There's nothing like gathering together with family and friends to celebrate the holidays, reminisce about seasons past, create new memories, and take in all of the wonderful sights, tastes, and sounds.

Inevitably, this often asked question is always brought up. "Have we forgotten why we celebrate Christmas?" Many, much more knowledgeable than I, have tried their hand at providing an adequate response to this question.

As such, I will not make such an attempt here, today. I will leave that to the experts. But there is one thing that too often goes unnoticed. And that is the familial aspect of Christmas; God's.

As Christians we are a family of believers in Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:5). Through his redemption we have received many benefits, including: Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:17; Revelation 5:9-10, to mention only a few.

Being members of God's family also carries with it great duties and responsibilities. One of these is how we show the world what it means to be His children (1 John 3:3). Walk the walk, as they say.

We must "be imitators of God," that is, to not only follow his example, but demonstrate it to the world (Ephesians 5:1). This goes so much deeper than merely exchanging gifts, and it doesn't cost us a thing to put it into action.

As usual, one only has to turn to the Bible for guidance. There we find in 1 John 3: 11 that, "we must love each other." It has nothing to do with the biggest, most expensive gift and the prettiest wrapping paper and bows (Luke 12:15). 

Jesus Christ was sent to us not to deliver Christmas, but to give us the best gift ever. That gift, was the gift of eternal life with God. The cost? Jesus paid for our sins with his death and resurrection. How can anyone forget this?

As we come together with our loved ones this Christmas, let's not forget that there is really only one gift that keeps on giving all year long. And you'll never have to worry about size, color, or style. One size fits all: the gift of love for each other (John 13:34).

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6; John 1:14; Acts 20:35; Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 13:2 

Prayer: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”  -Luke 2:14 (ESV)

Joyfully in Christ,

Donna