Evergreen Devotions, December 18

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord?” Luke 2:10–11

Well, we are getting close. The climax of our odyssey to the heart of Christmas is almost here. And although at first blush it may seem an odd one, I want to ask you a question: Do you have the Christmas spirit this year?

I mean, do you really have the Christmas spirit? Better yet, what is the Christmas spirit? Is it the warm and familiar feeling of being with family and friends around a soothing fire and flickering candlelight? Is it the joy of seeing the anticipation in the eyes of a child? Is it the satisfaction of unwrapping a special gift? Or, is the spirit of Christmas something else?

The answer is found in Christ, who for our sake came that Christmas morning two thousand years ago. Who came to earth and cloaked Himself in human flesh. Who emptied Himself. Who “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man”(Philippians 2:7–8).

I would suggest, this is the spirit of Christmas. It is not the rush we experience when we get — get a gift, get a feeling, get a bonus. All these are wonderful in and of themselves. The real spirit of Christmas, however, is found not in what we get, but in what we give. It is becoming ever more like our Savior in the spirit of selflessness. And not just during the Christmas season or on Christmas Day, but rather throughout the remainder of our lives. The spirit of Christmas is not a once-a-year experience. It is a spirit to be embraced throughout the coming year. 

How are you serving others and showing them the love of Christ this Christmas? Do you have a neighbor in crisis, or ill, or elderly whom you could help or encourage? Have you shoveled snow off the driveway of someone who cannot do so on their own? Or shared a meal and a laugh with a friend going through a hard time? Or served a meal at a shelter? 

Thought of the Day: What other ways can you reach out and serve others?

From: Do you have the Christmas Spirit? Dr. Joe Pettigrew