HOW TO CONNECT WITH CHRIST

WAYS TO DISPLAY CHRIST-LIKE DEEDS THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAYS

Words Sophia Dacy

As simple as it may seem, prayer is so powerful and often overlooked.

Christmas is the “most wonderful time of the year.” Christmas carols playing on all radio stations, cozy fires, receiving gifts, spending time with family and friends and experiencing the warm feeling from all around. However, we often get distracted by the physical things of the holidays, whether it’s a new pair of sneakers or a new gaming set. Everyone always looks forward to Christmas morning–the joy of opening gifts with new things all around. But through this, one can forget what Christmas is truly about.

All that we celebrate would not exist if it weren’t for a little baby born in a manger on Christmas Day. No one would have suspected that this tiny baby would have so much endless love and power that would continue to be shared several centuries later. Ultimately, Christmas has a larger meaning than just presents and hot chocolate. Christ shared so much throughout his life–healing the blind, talking to people he had never met as if he knew them a whole lifetime. He cared for his children like a shepherd does his flock, he taught crowds of thousands and was never afraid of what might approach Him. Just as Jesus shared so much throughout his lifetime, think this holiday season about how you can share and give back to those around you.

Photo by Gwyn Lewellyn

Mark 16:15 reads “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’” During this holiday season, think of ways you can help share the gospel. Whether you volunteer to read to children at your church or study and discuss the book of Mark with your family, there are many ways you can be a better disciple of Christ this Christmas season. Another idea would be to print out verses from the Bible of encouragement and on the life of Christ, buy some snacks, put it into a little gift bag and pass it out to those in need around your community. Sharing your faith with others can make such an impact that you might not ever be aware of on someone’s life. Psalms 96:3 says, “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” This Christmas, help make others aware of Christ’s love by sharing the gospel with your neighbors and friends. Being a Christian does not just mean going to church every Sunday; there is so much more. Giving back to your community and helping those in need such as by donating food or some clothes to Hill Country Daily Bread is a great way to help others this holiday season. Write letters of motivation or good news and share them with your friends, or help your mom around the kitchen on Christmas. There are so many ways to help spread kindness and joy to others.

Another way to be a good follower of Christ is to pray. As simple as it may seem, prayer is so powerful and often overlooked. Ephesians 6:18 reads “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Not only can you pray for yourself and your family, but you can also pray for those in the community, for those who are fighting for our country and for those who are in need of a good home or family. The power of prayer is seriously overlooked. Through prayer, one is able to talk to God and connect one-on-one. This holiday season, think of ways to help contribute to those around you, whether it’s reading a Christmas story to your neighbor or donating food to those in need.

Photo by Gwyn Lewellyn

Layout by Sarah Coultress