You'll meet a huge need in the inner city ... HUNGER ... and shine the love and mercy of Jesus.
“How was your Christmas? What did you get?”
These two questions will be the ones most frequently asked of you in the aftermath of Christmas Day. Say, “Great!” Talk about your new toys. But why not then usher in the New Year by telling someone about the gift God gave you in the Christ of Christmas.
The text of 1 John 4 emphasizes the gift God has given everyone who chooses to receive it. It also provides a simple outline to guide your conversations with others about Christ.
“God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him” (1 John 4:9, New Living Translation). The gift of Christ demonstrates God’s great love for us as well as the promise of everlasting life.
“This is real love — not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (1 John 4:10, NLT). Christ was born with a specific purpose — to die a sacrificial death on the cross that would allow for the forgiveness of all who would believe in Him.
“And God has given us His Spirit as proof that we live in Him and He in us” (1 John 4:13, NLT). Christ no longer walks among us in human form, yet Christians do not live alone. God’s Holy Spirit is available as an ever-present comforter, counselor and guide.
“Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God” (1 John 4:14-15, NLT). Just as any gift must be received, God has invited everyone to receive His gift of a Savior in Jesus.
Christmas may have come and gone, but it is not too late for you to tell others of Jesus in ways that authenticate God’s deep love for you and them. Most people know of the Christ in the manger. Today, you could tell someone the rest of the story — the story of His life, death and resurrection.
Regift it. Rewrap it. Use the same ribbon and bow. It’s OK. It’s a type of regifting God wants you to do.
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