3.) Speak Life and Reflect Light.
- Jesus came to give life when we were dead in sin and headed to eternal death.
- Jesus always shines light in darkness; in fact, He IS light!
- Show life and light by being encouraged (get out of the news and into the Word!) and by being encouraging!
- Be a true “Joy to the World” with your face and your words!
- *When:
- In the hustle and bustle of: Christmas shopping, errand running, decorating,
- Baking, wrapping, prepping
- In getting together with family, friends, church family.
- *When:
- Pray for wisdom to speak life and reflect life when you feel that family or friends misunderstand you or reject you. (Jesus knows all about that; He has never rejected you; He loves and accepts you. AND He still is life and light to those who misunderstand Him and reject Him. We can follow His example.)
- Especially be aware of speaking life and reflecting light to those who desperately need Him. (This is so hard to remember in the hustle and bustle.)
4) Celebrate with Grace.
- Celebrate—to acknowledge a happy day or event with a social gathering or enjoyable activity; to praise or honor someone.
- Grace—courteous goodwill; a free and loving gift of unmerited favor.
- By its definition, celebration SHOULD take place with GRACE. If it doesn’t, maybe it’s because we’re not truly celebrating.
- Jesus came to love and to die for undeserving sinners—you and me.
- We can and should celebrate with grace, no matter how “undeserving” those around us are.
- Speak Gently. (Graciously, Prov. 11:16)
- Serve Gracefully. (Mary and Martha, Luke 10:38-42)
- Celebrate Gregariously. (In a friendly way that shows a liking for the company of others; social, friendly, approachable.) **Don’t be a Scrooge or a Grinch.