Matthew 28:16-20 — Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This week I have challenged you to give Christmas away this year. In reality, Jesus charged us with giving away the true meaning of Christmas in the Great Commission. In every season, we are to make disciples through our words and actions. Spend some time in prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in ways you can intentionally spread the Good News. Take a moment to read the article 5 Fresh Ways To Spread the Gospel for some practical ways to share Christ with others. As we continue to move toward Christmas Day, let’s pause, seek, and listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit to guide each of us to give Christmas away to others.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for trusting me to spread Your love to others. Guide and direct my words and actions as I strive to give Christmas away to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

@youversion

Luke 2:10-11 NIV — But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

This year, let’s give Christmas away. Yesterday we pondered ways to give Christmas away to those in need. How can we spread Christmas to those around us? 

Throughout the Christmas season there are various programs, sponsored by churches, that share the true meaning of Christmas. Perhaps there is a Christmas cantata, singing Christmas tree, or live nativity at your church or one nearby. Take advantage of these opportunities to refocus on the true meaning of the season. Give Christmas away by inviting others to go with you and share Christmas joy with them. By sharing Christmas with others, you will also increase your joy. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the true meaning of Christmas. Guide me as I invite others to join me in refocusing our attention this Christmas season. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

@youversion

Matthew 25:35 NIV — For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.

This year, let’s give Christmas away. Jesus commands us to feed the hungry. One way to share Christmas with others is to give to those who are hungry. You could give money or food to a food pantry. Perhaps you have time to volunteer at a soup kitchen. One year our Sunday school class pooled our money to purchase a goat for a family overseas through Samaritan’s Purse. Another idea is to make “blessing bags” to give away to the homeless or those in need. Read the article A Guide To Making Homeless Blessing Bags for ideas of what to include.

Whatever you are able to do, I encourage you to do it with the love of Christ in mind. Intentionally pray for those your hands are blessing. Pray for each one touched. Pray they will receive the true meaning of Christmas by accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the true meaning of Christmas. Open my eyes to opportunities to share Christmas with others by giving. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

@youversion

@samaritanspurse

1 Peter 2:9 NIV — But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Christmas Day is only 15 days away. We are in the throes of searching high and low for the perfect gift for each person on our list. As busy as we are with our preparations, let’s take time to pause this week and prepare our hearts for Christmas. I will go as far as to say, let’s give Christmas away.

Last Christmas season, in the middle of the busy preparations, I heard the song Give This Christmas Away by Matthew West and Amy Grant. I am sure I had heard this song over the years, but when I heard it that day it stopped me in my tracks. Perhaps it was just the jolt I needed to remind me what Christmas is truly about. So this week, let’s focus on ways we can give Christmas away to those who need it most. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the greatest gift of all, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Open my eyes to opportunities to share Christmas with others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

@youversion

Spend some time reading and meditating on this week’s featured scriptures.

1 Peter 2:9 NIV — But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Matthew 25:35 NIV — For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.

Luke 2:10-11 NIV — But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Matthew 28:16-20 — Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Take some time to prepare your hearts for the week ahead by listening to Give This Christmas Away by Matthew West. Allow God to guide your thoughts as you listen to the words. May the Holy Spirit prompt each of us to respond as God would have us.

Today I am reflecting on this year’s Thanksgiving and savoring the new memories created. This Thanksgiving looked much different. Granddaddy was absent from our table but my parents were here with us. Instead of coming on Thanksgiving day, Clark’s brothers and families will come today to share a meal and create memories together. Best of all, instead of sitting at the table with everyone else, Clark and I sat at our island with our granddaughter Ellie Grace. 

The biggest difference this Thanksgiving was that I was the sole cook for the day and oh how I enjoyed it. I love that my kitchen, dining area, and den are all one big room. I was able to tackle one task at a time and still enjoy time with my family watching the Macy’s parade, the dog show, and Hallmark movies. After supper, while Clark and I cleaned up the kitchen, we all watched a football game. After my son and family went home, we finished the night watching another Christmas Hallmark movie.

As I prepared each dish, I savored the memories associated with that food and the family members who have cooked each dish over the years. This was the first year I cooked a whole turkey so a few weeks before Thanksgiving I scoured the internet to find just the right recipe. I remember all those who pulled the bird out of the oven and wondered if it was done. I had a similar experience. I was hoping for it to be cooked enough to eat, but not as well done as Cousin Eddie’s wife Catherine’s turkey on the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. If you have never seen the movie, click here for a visual. I made crockpot macaroni which has become my speciality at family events, but on my mom’s side of the family oven baked macaroni is a sacred dish. I dug in my recipe box to find my grandmother’s recipe for cornbread dressing and savored the opportunity to ask my mama for advice along the way. I made sweet potato souffle from a friend’s recipe and my mama put the mini marshmallows on top for me. Of course I forgot the casserole was browning in the oven and remembered just in time so as to not catch the marshmallows on fire as mama did before. I cooked the obligatory “healthy” vegetable of green beans, and last but not least was the canned cranberry sauce, which turned out to be Ellie’s favorite food of the night.

While this Thanksgiving looked different, I am savoring the opportunity to be with family and the memories of past Thanksgivings. How did your Thanksgiving look this year? Was it different from past Thanksgivings? What are you savoring today? 

@biblegateway @youversion