Acts of kindness exemplify God’s love in us

Christmas is such a special time for all. It is a time where the hearts of people are filled with a spirit of giving, sharing and gratefulness. It is during this season that we probably experience the most kindness shared to those in need as well as the most unselfish attitudes in the majority of people.

This season brings to light the Scripture, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” There is a change of heart in humanity, and our giving can impact others and allow us to receive of the Lord much more than any material gift can ever accomplish. If we are fortunate enough to be able to bless another in need, we should respond, knowing that we cannot out give the Lord.

Scripture says in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Although we should give freely, expecting nothing in return, the seed sown will produce a harvest in our lives. Those who obey the Lord will experience the benefits of his blessings.

Our heavenly Father gave his best and most precious gift in his only begotten son, sent to a lost and dying world. A babe, born of a virgin, nestled in a manger, surrounded by his creation, brought the revelation of the depth of God’s love and giving to us all.

St. Luke’s gospel gives the account of the holy night in the little town of Bethlehem. Luke 2:8-11 reads, “In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the City of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

This day that we celebrate is set apart forever. The world, God’s creation, would receive its creator and savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. Christmas is all about Jesus. It is a celebration of the gift of love bestowed upon us. It is about Christ living in our hearts and lives and being a part of our world. The angels proclaimed the message of “good news,” of great joy for all the people.

Today, salvation has come and God has fulfilled his promise. God gave all to us, bestowing his utmost blessing. As Christians we are also commanded to be a giving people, a sacrificial people, who represent the nature of the God we proclaim to serve.

Our change inwardly will reflect outwardly to those around us. Just as God gave his Son as a gift to us, we are required to respond by accepting his gift. Christ alive in our hearts will produce a change, a softening of the hardest heart with a response to the Savior by simply saying yes. Yes, Lord, we acknowledge that you sent your Son to this earth for us, for me; so we could have a relationship with him. Opening our hearts and lives to the Lord, and accepting him as our Lord will guarantee us the most wonderful gift of all. We can have a personal relationship and life eternal with him, forever.

Ask Jesus into your heart today. And allow the Lord to help you to reach out to others in need, with the same “good news” message. Reaching out with acts of kindness to those less fortunate is an example of God’s love in our hearts. May we experience the true meaning of Christmas this day and season.

XPatty Scahill of Austintown, who is a conference speaker, author and hospice chaplain, attends Christian Life Church in Canfield.