Angels of Generosity The True Meaning of Christmas

Read: 2 Corinthians 9

 

When man gives from the heart, and not grudgingly God will make all grace and blessings abound toward them.  2 Corinthians 9: 7-8

Good Morning!

Christmas is meant to symbolize the arrival of Jesus Christ, the most significant gift ever bestowed upon humanity. God, in the form of a man, arrived on earth to reconcile our sins. His time on earth consisted of teaching humility, how to let our light shine in a dark world, how to give, and how to be a blessing to others.

 

 The joy of giving should not only be limited to a single day or a specific time of year; it should be integrated into our daily lives by seeking opportunities to positively impact others through kind words, actions, or deeds.

 

 Jesus Christ instructed his disciples that giving is more blessed than receiving. With the measure you use, it will also be measured to you, (Luke 6:38). Regrettably, it is common for us to hoard God's possessions instead of generously giving and sharing them with others, particularly those who are experiencing hardship. Despite what is commonly believed, everything on the Earth belongs to God. He has entrusted us with the responsibility of caring for the material possessions that we often hold dear. The possessions that God has given us to be good stewards over, we should share and give to others, not during the Christmas season but every single day.

 

 During this Christmas season, strangers from across the country have displayed numerous spectacular incidents of unexplainable altruistic behavior. For instance, consider the man who purchased McDonald's gift cards worth $500 in $25 intervals to give to families in need. The McDonald’s owner was inspired by this kind gesture so he matched the donation, giving half the gift cards to the local Food Bank and the other half to a local homeless shelter. Groups of young adults have established a consistent practice of providing food and clothing to the homeless within their circle of friends. Churches across the country like mine, Antioch A.M.E., have established food pantries that offer food and household supplies throughout the entire year.

 

 Random acts of kindness, also known as paying it forward, embody the true spirit of Christmas and should extend throughout the entire year, not just one month, by incorporating 365 days of sharing with others. The act of giving has the potential to spread easily from one person to another.

 

 Throughout the past year, there have been both enjoyable moments and probable difficulties, but regardless, we have been blessed.

 

 I challenge you to embrace the "I can't help it disease" and incorporate acts of kindness into your daily life, not just during Christmas time. Make it a regular part of your routine from now on. Being available as a vessel for giving to others. Take time to acknowledge the blessings that God has bestowed upon you and then share those blessings with others. Who can you bless today with this new mindset of giving?

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Be thankful for what you got! Christmas is over here comes a New Year

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Good Morning!

After the Christmas season, we enjoyed a joyful time with our loved ones!  As the year approaches its end, a new year awaits us just beyond the horizon. 

Over the past twelve months, we experienced positive moments, encountered difficulties, and received numerous blessings. As the New Year approaches, use this time to think and consider what you are grateful for. 

 In preparation for the New Year, take some time this week to reflect on the Goodness of God that has been present in your life. No matter how long or short your list is, make sure to count your blessings one by one, no matter how small they may be. 

 Some received new jobs, while others did not. Just be thankful for what you have, regardless of the situation. Before  Some people bought new cars, became debt-free, or even celebrated the arrival of a new life. Amidst the loss of loved ones by others, remember to be grateful for the precious time you all had together.

 

 Although I didn't receive a new Cadillac this year, I remain deeply thankful that God bestowed blessings upon me and my family over the past year. De, despite the challenges faced, God always found a way to demonstrate his Goodness, Grace, and Mercy to me.

 As you say goodbye to the old and greet the new year, keep in mind that no day is promised. Now, give God thanks and praise for blessing you for the past 365 days. May this day be great, and may tomorrow be even better. I offer my prayers to you all for a healthy and prosperous New Year.

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Christmas: The Presence of Christ Is Better Than Presents and Gifts

And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:1-11

 Good Morning!

Today is Christmas! A time for family, friends, and gift-giving. For many people, the day will be all about the presents. The problem is that the presents can overshadow the real meaning of Christmas.  Let us not forget to focus on Jesus Christ today, not just the gifts.

 Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. For Christians, to remember the miracle of Jesus' birth and to celebrate his life, death, and resurrection. Though we make plans to celebrate family and friends, to give and receive gifts, and to enjoy festive traditions, The Presence of Christ Is Better Than Presents and Gifts

 Let us not forget that Christ's presence is greater than any present or gift we could receive. This special day represents Jesus’ purpose of being born; to save us from our sins.  If for no other reason, we should be celebrating Jesus on this special day, for He is the one who is worthy of the praise, worship, and gifts! We should remember Christ above all else this Christmas.

There is nothing more wonderful than the presence of Christ. His love and care is more valuable than anything this world offers. No matter what life throws our way, His presence is always the best thing. When feeling down, His love can lift us up. When struggling, His grace carries us through. And when we are lost, His guidance leads us back home. Christ is the best present we could ever receive, and I am so grateful for His love.

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Unwrapped gifts: Bless someone with your gift

 

Read: Matthew 25:14-30

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above James  1:17

 

Good Morning!

Gift cards are used on special occasions throughout the year. During this time of the season, gift cards become particularly popular for people to give or receive. According to a recent survey from Credit Summit, nearly $21 Billion gift cards go unspent, which may surprise you.  In addition, two-thirds of Americans alone either lose them, tuck them away in drawers, wallets, purses, or simply forget about them.

 

 God has granted us spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6) alongside talents. For numerous individuals, we resemble the men in the Parable of the Talents as described in Matthew 25:14-30. We have been entrusted by God with talents and gifts, enabling us to do significant things. Yet, we find ourselves like most Americans with gift cards or the man with one talent, we never unwrap and use the gift. God Gave us the gifts, He wants us to use them not leave them unredeemed.

 

 Just like the situation with Gift cards, it is easy to lose sight of the gifts that God has given. The lack of faith causes many gifts to remain unused or excuses are made because there is not enough time in a day to use gifts.

 

 Remember, every good gift and every perfect gift is from God above, and their purpose is to edify God. Use your gifts

 

 What gift from God are you ignoring? Make sure to open up your God-given gift and start using it before this year ends! Use it in a manner that brings Glory to God and prayerfully others closer to Christ.

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The Christmas Table: Offer a seat at the table

Read: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

That you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

 Luke 22:30

The memories of home and my Christmas traditions often come to mind during the Christmas holidays. I enjoyed the preparation of food and The Christmas Table more than Thanksgiving.
 As friends would come by to pick up their gifts, my mother would cook a big breakfast and they would sit, eat, talk, and enjoy each other's company. The evening involved gathering with my Godmother's family for dinner, where the house was bustling with relatives and friends, conversing, standing, eating, and sitting. The Christmas table is the place where we expressed gratitude for life, family, and food.

 Although My Christmas Table was memorable, there are still many people and families sitting at a table that is empty and lonely. No traditional picturesque images are seen by them. Maybe they have encountered loss, damaged relationships, lost their job, or simply have no one to celebrate with.

 As followers of Christ, we need to remember that no family Christmas Table is more significant than God's family. Everyone is welcome at God's table.

When Saul's grandson, Mephibosheth, was lost and forgotten, David reminded him not to be afraid and offered him a seat at the King's table. it signified having the king's permission to sit and have meals for the entirety of one's life. The table of God remains unchanged. By accepting Jesus as our savior, he allows all of us to take a seat at the table.

 This holiday extend an invitation to someone who has lost hope or feels lonely by granting them a seat at your Christmas table. Extend your gratitude of God’s blessings to others besides your family. Give without expecting to get anything back. Your reward will be great and the God of the Most High will be merciful unto you. May this Thanksgiving be filled with joy and many blessings. Be safe and enjoy your family!

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Jesus is the reason for the season; Christmas songs that mention Jesus

Read: Matthew 2: 1-12

“For this reason, I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.”

Romans 15: 7-9

Many often forget the reason for the Christmas season, especially in relation to popular Christmas songs on the radio and streaming platforms like Spotify. Every Noise, a data-collecting service, has determined that Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas" is the most popular song globally. According to them, while certain other popular songs mention the religious side of Christmas in a small way, the majority of songs center around themes of love, snow, and chestnuts.

 Today, within the church, numerous hymns are sung that commemorate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, or the events leading up to His birth. While reading scripture, you encounter references to the Wisemen that correspond to the song "We Three Kings". In the same way that Luke 2:7 mentions how He was wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn, "Away In A Manger" also references this.

 The popularity of music with Jesus has not diminished just yet. Several top Christmas songs are being played or streamed that are referencing Christ and the Holy Day.

 The Temptations - "Silent Night."
 Whitney Houston  - "Joy To The World."
 Perry Como's version of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" #10 USA
 Josh Groban and Faith Hill's rendition of "The First N￶el" #90  USA
 Nina Nesbitt's version of "O Holy Night"  #93 Hong Kong.

 While preparing your playlist this holiday season, please remember that Jesus is the reason for the Season.  

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It's A Wonderful Life, Who is your George Bailey?

Read: Matthew 5:1-12

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Romans 8:14

Good Morning!

During the season of holidays, it is a common practice for people to watch their favorite Christmas movies which can cover a range of classics and lesser-known works. I am confident that if we dedicate time to discussing our favorites, our list will be extensive and detailed!

 'It's A Wonderful Life' is the one movie I have been watching every year since I was a teenager. Even as a teenager, the movie resonated with me because of the many God-like messages it depicted. Every year, I notice new undertones of divinity  the film as I watch it.

 The main character George Bailey is James Stewart, who is an Oscar-winning actor. George Bailey was like any other young person with dreams and goals. George Bailey, even when he was young, was ambitious and wanted to be successful. Additionally, he was caring, kind, and loving. George Bailey carried these attributes with him throughout his lifetime. He continued to shine his light by offering assistance and showing compassion to his family, friends, and even to strangers. George Bailey could have represented the ideals of the Beatitudes perfectly.

 In Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus gathered his disciples together and imparted to them the teachings now known as the Beatitudes. Jesus also desires for us to imitate the same thing. His desire for us is to help the poor in spirit, grieve with others, maintain gentleness, show mercy, be pure in heart, and actively be peacemakers.

 George Bailey helped individuals struggling financially by providing them with low-interest loans as a means of uplifting their spirits. As a child, he shared Mr. Gower's sorrow when his son died in the war and consoled him after he mistakenly administered the wrong medication to a little girl. He selflessly gave up his own life to save his brother from drowning, and humbly relinquished his dreams and aspirations to allow his brother's success.

 It is not difficult to find ourselves in a state of mind similar to George Bailey in life. It is easy for us to quickly forget both the goodness that God has done for us and the kindness we have shown to others. However, we can recall all the things at which we were unsuccessful or the things we have lost in life along with every failure. Because of his thoughts, George Bailey found himself standing on a snow-covered bridge, ready to jump.

 Clarence the angel and friends were necessary to remind George Bailey of his true identity. The word informs us that if we exemplify the Beatitudes, we will receive comfort, inherit the earth, be shown mercy, behold God, and be called children of God.

 Many of us reside in various locations across the globe, rather than in the small town of Pottersville. For this holiday season, I hope you will find to reflect upon people who have played the role of George Bailey in your life. Make sure to take the time to call or text them and express your gratitude. Share with them what they did for you and express your gratitude towards them.

 We are unaware of the potential experiences they may be facing. But our main concern is ensuring that they do not make decisions on a bridge covered with snow during the late hours of the night.

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Stop Testing God, Stop .

 

Read: Numbers 14:1-10

 

  the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct according to what their deeds deserve. Jeremiah 17:10

 

Good Morning!

 When things do not go according to plan or expectation, we often test God, even though we do not intend to. We disregard previous experiences of receiving God's blessings. When He rescued us from our depths of shame or fulfilled our heartfelt prayers.

  Contrasting to that, we behave similarly to children on Christmas day who, despite receiving their desired toy, ask "Is that all?" before the day is over.

  The Children of Israel were not any different. Even though God rescued them from slavery, split the Red Sea, took care of them during their journey, and promised them a better future, they still chose to doubt God's abilities, constantly complain, and show ingratitude.

  What leads to our testing or doubting God? If things are going well, we express our beliefs verbally and put them into practice by exercising our faith.

 It is when prayers are not answered or do not occur in the way we expect, our natural tendency is to begin complaining and attributing blame to God. Psalms 106:11-15 reminds us of how easily we forget God's works and decide not to wait for His counsel.

  Do our doubts arise from concepts or experiences we cannot visually grasp or perceive, or from a lack of faith or absence altogether? Is it now the right time for us to depend on our own understanding or continue to have faith in God?

  God does not abandon us, despite our complaints. He looks into our hearts and evaluates our thoughts, then gives us rewards based on our behavior and the consequences of our actions. During the good times and the bad times, give thanks to the Lord for he is good, in all things. His mercy endures forever. Stop Testing God.

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The Goodness of God

 

Read: Psalms 130

 

Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression Micah 7:18-19

 

How do you describe the goodness of God?

 His goodness surpasses the material things that people pray for, such as jobs, cars, homes, or money.

 Though no day is guaranteed, and we are blessed to see each day, God’s goodness is even greater!

 Daily although our spirit is willing to do God’s will, our flesh is weak and frequently tempted into sin. God’s goodness is greatest at this crossroad. 

 Of all the sins we all have committed why should God be good to us?

Yet, if we humbly confess our sins God will forgive. This is God’s mercy and grace granting us forgiveness. There is no god like God. His goodness forgives us and purges us from our iniquity.

 If we took a moment to truly assess our lives, I am sure we all could come up with a multitude of things that have fallen short of God’s word, causing us to be disobedient. The fires he has pulled you from and the troubles he has set us free of. Yet when we humbly seek God’s forgiveness, He grants it.

 

1.             God removes sins as for as the east is to the west (Psalms 103:12)

2.             God completely cleanses us from the stain of sin (Isaiah 1:18)

3.             God throws our sins behind His back (Isaiah 38:1)

4.             God remembers our sins no more (Jeremiah 31:34)

5.             God treads our sins underfoot (Micah 7:19)

6.             God casts our sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:9)

 According to David in Psalms 130: 3-4, if THE LORD GOD, kept a record of sins, who could stand?  But with God there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve Him.

 There is no god like God who has held us in his hands forever and can pardon our iniquity and pass over our transgressions. Though God is disappointed with us, he does not retain his anger forever. God delights in mercy (Micah 7:18).

 God has been good to us even when we have not been good to ourselves. And it is because of this we should wake up each day singing and praising to God continuously for his Goodness.

 

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