by Cathy Baker | Faith |
What to give Jesus for His birthday?
When the boys were younger, we’d bake a birthday cake for Him and at other times we’d create new ways to give Jesus a gift, i.e., buying for someone in need, or we’d all write out our gift (being more patient with others, an act of kindness, etc.) on a slip of paper and put it on the tree.
While these celebrations, acts of service, and growing desires to be more Christ-like are certainly pleasing to the Lord, He’s clear as to how He defines love, His love language, if you will:
In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands.
And his commands are not burdensome… 1 John 5:3
With this in mind, what gift of love we can Him today in the form of obedience?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Remember this post from Monday?
Children were singing Jingle Bells and handing out little trinkets to all the residents. I didn’t know a smile could stretch across a face with such grace as it did on Mrs. White that afternoon, but a sigh soon escaped her notice.
When asked the reason for it, she shared how December is always a busy time at the nursing home with visiting church groups, children, etc.—but how silent their halls fell by December 26. One of her greatest wishes was to have visitors year-round.
Maybe visiting nursing homes isn’t your thing — but what service are we doing this Christmas that God may want us to continue throughout the year?
“The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service. The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless.”
Billy Graham
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Yes, it’s December. It’s cold. It may even be snowy where you are (I’m envious!) but regardless of your location, it’s the perfect time to bundle up, grab a basket, and head outdoors to search for things to create a holiday table centerpiece.
- Pine cones
- Evergreen branches
- Berries (if there aren’t small children in the home)
- Sculptured bare branches
- Nuts
- Acorns
- Fruit
As you walk, consider pointing out the details of God’s magnificent handiwork. When you return home, place a large white candle in the center, sharing how Christ is the true light, the light of all mankind (read John 1).
Capturing ordinary moments for God’s glory releases extraordinary possibilities.
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You
shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them
when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you
lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Day 7: Puzzled? (A fun family tradition to begin now!)
Day 11: Simple Ways to Share Christ this Christmas
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
There are a multitude of ways for us to sacrificially give to others this season. A few ideas we may want to consider:
- Samaritan’s Purse Christmas catalog. We’ve used this resource for awhile now. It’s a great way to get our children involved as some of the gifts are $5.00 and $10.00. They can see how their money will provide what they consider the basics of life for another child. You can also purchase a gift in memory or in honor of a loved one.
I’m just skimming the surface here. I’d love to hear your ideas! If applicable, share a link with us.
Blessings!
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:16 ESV
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
One simple way to integrate intercessory prayer during the season is to pray for those who send us Christmas cards.
I’d love to hear your ideas on specific ways we can pray for them. A few that come to mind:
- For their spiritual development—something none of us fully attain this side of heaven.
- If there’s any concern about their relationship with Christ, this is the perfect opportunity to pray for their salvation.
- For those alone not to be lonely – to recognize the closeness of their heavenly Father.
What’s another way we can pray?
“Intercession is truly
universal work for the Christian. No place is closed to intercessory
prayer. No continent – no nation – no organization – no city – no
office. There is no power on earth that can keep intercession out.”
Richard Halverson
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
This past week, while finishing up some last minute shopping, I was struck by how relieved surprised pedestrians seemed when I came to a complete stop for them AND smiled in the process. Such a simple gesture. Why wouldn’t I always do that? Sigh!
The pedestrians expression immediately reminded of a post I did back in 2011, which goes right along with this series. Thank you for allowing me to share it with you once more:
I’m a bonafide multi-tasker.
Who else could belt out Joy to the World while nearly mowing down a couple exiting the local Bi-lo?
The expression on their faces coincided with a gentle shoulder tap from the One who didn’t become flesh to hear me sing about Him—but rather for Him—by remaining in tune with the Spirit.
Since that fateful night in the Bi-lo parking lot, I’ve been reminded just how powerful the practical can be when I am:
- Igniting
my prayer life before the engine, asking God to reveal divine
opportunities in living out His joy, mercy, and love to those driving
too slowly, the rude and weary waitress, or the woman who plops down 20
items in a 10 item lane.
- Stopping
for pedestrians at the malls, Target, Walmart and alike. (No doubt the
couple wished I’d been enlightened on this one a bit sooner.) Better
yet, stop and smile as you wave
them on, assuring them they’re not an intrusion on your day, but a
divine appointment. It’s also the perfect opportunity to pray for them
as they make their way ever-so-slowly by your car.
- Going
the extra mile for Salvation Army bucket volunteers by picking up a
bottled water for them in addition to your donation. If it’s nippy
outside, consider delivering a hot cocoa from a nearby place, thanking
them for their willingness to volunteer for the benefit of others.
- Smiling. Sharing a warm hello. We never know who needs it the most, but God does (the beauty of God’s providential prompts!)
It
matters not if any of the above actions are reciprocated. What matters
is that we take every opportunity to impart God’s joy instead of simply
singing about it.
How about you? Is there a simple way you’ve found to share the love of Christ with others during this holiday season?
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Colossians 4:5
