05
Dec '25
Let Christmas Bring Out the BEST
05
Dec '25
Introduction: Like a person walking through the woods and frightening a rabbit out of its hiding, Christmas time can bring out both the BEST and the WORST in people. For instance, the best would be the following:
1. A Time of GIVING and not EXPECTING! (2 Cor. 8:9; John 3:16) – “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” God gave
His best! Jesus Christ is our unspeakable gift! He is the gift of eternal life and abundant life. Do you know Him? Will you give Him to others?
2. A Time of LOVING and not HATING! (1 John 4:7–8) – “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
The flesh hates. But the Spirit loves—of course not sin! Can you say that you love everybody—even your enemies?
3. A Time of FORGIVING and not RESENTING! (Col. 3:13) – “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Forgiveness is a choice. It is not a feeling. So do not wait for a feeling to forgive. Why? Because it probably won’t happen! Remember, God forgave us in Christ. Therefore, we can forgive.
4. A Time of GATHERING and not SCATTERING! (Acts 4:31) – “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”
Gathering with your family and friends can be a time of blessing or cursing. Make it a blessing. Be slow to speak and swift to hear!
5. A Time of HELPING and not HURTING! (Rom. 12:10, 13) – “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another… distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
There are many needs represented every Christmas. Try to be a blessing and show compassion.
6. A Time of HOPING and not DREADING! (Rom. 12:12) – “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.”
Jesus brings HOPE, PEACE, and HEALING!
7. A Time of REJOICING and not REJECTING! (Phil. 4:4–5) – “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
Will you be glad because of the Lord’s goodness and grace?
Conclusion: Go ahead and make up your mind that this CHRISTMAS you are going to honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bring out the BEST!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese