Have you ever reflected on what to give Jesus for Christmas? May this reflection bless you with holy inspiration.

With 2019 nearing a close let’s begin our reflection by thinking about the ways we have served God and given Him glory this year, along with the times we may have fallen short of His expectations.

ENTER INTO THE MERCIFUL EMBRACE OF JESUS

One of the pieces of Scripture that I believe explains how to enter into the Heart of Jesus is this:

“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” Psalm 51:17

Jesus is always ready to forgive us, but to receive His forgiveness we must be truly sorry for our sins.

“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” Acts 13:38

Jesus is ready to forgive us when we offer Him a heart that is truly contrite. (i.e., sorry)

GIVE THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS

Jesus wants us to forgive one another, but sometimes those who have hurt us do not offer us their contrite heart. So what do we do then?

I have become an expert on this question. Child abuse and the associated trauma of it changed my life and for many years I was very angry, feeling robbed. The apology that I so desired never materialized; so for a while I thought I will never heal, but that was not God’s plan.

As my faith in Jesus grew I began to contemplate His Passion daily. Every day I would see Jesus in my meditation lying on the Cross being crucified praying: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

Eventually I began to consider this question: “what would I want if I had abused someone and was unable to repent?”

My answer to this question was this:   “I would want them to pray for me”

So I began to pray for those who had hurt me in the same way Jesus prayed “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

By doing this I began to experience FREEDOM. Freedom from anger, freedom from a desire for retribution, freedom from depression, freedom to stop feeling like the past will always define me!

So if there is someone who has hurt you and has not asked for forgiveness, let that not stop you from forgiving and praying as Jesus prayed as He was being crucified: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

TRUST IN JESUS AND HOPE IN HIS INFINITE LOVE FOR YOU!

All human relationships are founded on trust and the relationship between Man and God is no different. God wants His people to TRUST IN HIM!

When you begin to believe in the greatness of God’s love you will find an answer to anxiety.

God will NEVER ABANDON US. He will help us through every challenge and always be at our side.

So “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6

GIVE TO SOMEONE YOU DON’T KNOW OR

DO GOOD TO SOMEONE YOU DON’T LIKE

Jesus asks us a difficult question: “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?” Matthew 5:46

Do you have any members of your family who annoy you? Do you have any enemies?

Jesus says “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.” Luke 6:35

Jesus also says: “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:28

Sometimes it can be a ‘dry prayer’ to say “God bless them”. Jesus understands; He was crucified for us!

There are many charities counting on our generosity. Let’s give to those we don’t know who are in need. Perhaps one day we will see those we have been charitable to smiling at us in heaven!

REMEMBER THE LITTLE CHILDREN AND THE POOR IN OUR WORLD

One of the most beautiful things about Christmas to me is the excitement and joy in the faces of the little children.

Let us pray special prayers for all our little children, including the little babes in the wombs of their mothers. Let us pray for their health and safety.

There are so many abused children. They need our prayers! If you can afford it buy a gift for a child that may not receive any gifts this years. There are many charities that cater to this need.

Also if you can afford it give to a local food bank so poor families can have good meals this Christmas.

SPEND SOME QUALITY TIME WITH GOD

When the children are in bed and your house is finally quiet, you may feel exhausted, but in the stillness of the night feel the holiness of God’s presence.

“Be still, and know that I am God;” Psalm 46:10

God will speak to our hearts if we desire to hear Him and we give Him the quality time He deserves.

Hear His voice as spoken in the Scriptures: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

REMEMBER THE PASSION OF CHRIST AND LET YOUR HEART BE TRANSFORMED DAY BY DAY

Jesus gave His life to wash away our sins and to give us the gift of a new life in Him. Let us never forget how much He suffered to save us. Keep your eyes fixed on the eternal horizon and rejoice in the promise of heaven. Paradise is for everyone who is ready to repent and believe in the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ.

Please join The Mercy Movement that is uniting Christians all over the world in a daily prayer for peace. At 3pm (in our local time zones) we unite in prayer, asking Jesus to send His Holy Spirit to give us hearts capable of true love! We pray for an end to violence, including violence against the unborn child.  At this time we remember the Passion of Christ and thank Jesus for loving us so much that He would die for us!

Jesus has such a tender, infinite love for each of us. Rejoice in the love of Our Saviour Jesus Christ for His love is the greatest love of all!

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13

Let us show Jesus how much we love Him by praying for one another and doing whatever we can to make this Christmas special for those in need.

Blessings and Peace to you this Christmas Season.