The True Treasure of ChristmasНамуна

When you think about what matters most...when you take away all of the decorations, tinsel, and lights...you find the heart and true Treasure of the season. Christmas in its purest form is loving Christ, loving others, and ministering to the hurting, discouraged, and those in need. 

A meaningful way to show a hurting world the Treasure of Christmas is loving and caring like Jesus.

The Lord shares He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

 Where there is pain, Jesus enters into the heartache and is continually near...He never leaves or forsakes us. God lovingly collects every tear we cry and writes each heartache in His book. 

Jesus comforts us, so we can comfort others.

When we comfort and bless others, it's truly as though we personally bless the Lord. 

Consider how you can love and encourage others throughout the season.

Here are today's Christmas ideas:  

• Care for those who are grieving...especially if it's their first holiday in grief.    
• Do something meaningful for the widows, fatherless, orphans, and bereaved you know. It’s a beautiful way to show them they’re not alone or forgotten.    
• Supply a Christmas meal to someone in need.    
• Make a donation in Jesus’ honor to a local charity, or tithe extra as a birthday gift.   
• Invite a loved one who is hurting or discouraged to dinner, or call to encourage them. You may be who Jesus uses to love them back to life.    
• Deliver a Christmas treat to someone who is going through a tough time.    
• Give an anonymous gift to someone in need.   
• Mail a card to offer hope.   
• Encourage those who are battling a terminal illness.    
• If you’ve lost a loved one, find an Angel on your local Salvation Army Angel Tree with the exact birthday or age of your loved one. Include a Bible or Bible verse with your gifts.    
• At a drive thru, anonymously purchase the person's coffee or meal behind you. Ask the cashier to tell them, "God loves you, you are not forgotten. I hope you have a great Christmas!" 

I love what Pastor Rick Warren says: "If all you did for the rest of your life was commit yourself to being a friend to people who are hurting or lonely, you'd make something significant of your life." 

Look for ways to love and care for others – it’s a beautiful way of giving thanks to the Lord for all the times He has loved you and healed your heart. Let's help others discover the true Treasure of Christmas.

For more encouragement, or to those who want to better learn how to minister to the hurting, I invite you to read the Grief Bites reading plans on YouVersion.

Allow Jesus to make a beautiful difference in the lives of others through you this Christmas season.

©2021 Kim Niles/Grief Bites. All rights reserved.