“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). That is the message of Christmas in a nutshell. At just the right time, in just the right way, our heavenly Father stepped out of heaven with a baby in His arms and laid His Son in a manger. As John noted, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9). 

It is not always easy to love others. It is not always pleasant to work for peace. But what would it be like in your congregation if, as you worship together this coming weekend, those in the service were challenged to “drop the charges,” to rid themselves of any bitterness or anger toward others, to be compassionate and forgiving, even as they have been forgiven through Jesus Christ? What if they were challenged to show God’s love to one another by extending forgiveness and peace?

I strongly believe that many under your influence would have a much happier Christmas if they would just release those they hold in debt, due to broken relationships. “Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you” (Matthew 5:48).

Originally posted on December 19, 2011 at http://www.hblondon.org/blog.php