AN INSPIRATIONAL BLESSING The Christ in Christmas

Pay Forward Fellowship Mentorship Friendship

Let us take a moment to reflect on the theme of compassion within our ministry this Christmas season: 

Embracing the Compassion and Passion of Christ

I hear the word “Compassion”, being used a lot lately in conversation and in advertising. It has become a positive popular topic or buzz word and that’s a good thing. So, I want to talk about how we can implement that good thing more.

Colossians 3:12 - Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

Let me share a little story about kindness and compassion. I needed to repair the sidewalk outside our church, so I reached out to a member named Sam, who usually did this kind of work. Sam had been reasonable with others, offering payment plans, so I thought he’d help us too. However, when he quoted me a price much higher than what he charged others and insisted on full payment upfront, he ultimately declined the job. It felt unfair, especially coming from a fellow church member.

Just then, a worker across the street overheard our

conversation. After Sam left, he approached me and reassured me not to worry about the repair. He called over one of his team and said they would fix our sidewalk that day. When I mentioned my budget, he agreed to it and said, “You can pay me as the money comes in—no problem.” The next day, the sidewalk was not only repaired but looked better than ever, and years later, it still has no cracks. This experience showed me that sometimes, a stranger is more willing to lend a helping hand than someone you know well.

One key takeaway for me is the importance of reminding all Christians—and everyone else—who they serve: the Lord Most High. After completing the repair, the kind worker said, “I’m a Muslim, and this is how we show kindness—just as your Christian brother should have treated you.” This is an example of why Compassion is the cornerstone of my ministry. There is Christ in the word Christian.

In our daily lives, we are called to embody the profound Compassion and Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate testament to love—an act so generous and selfless that it reverberates through time and space, inviting us to reflect on its immeasurable significance.

Thank You Heavenly Father for the blessing of Christ Jesus

During Jesus' earthly ministry, countless individuals bore witness to the miracle of His presence. They experienced firsthand the blessings that flowed from Him—healing the sick, comforting the brokenhearted, and offering hope to the downtrodden. Each act of kindness and each miraculous event was a glimpse into the boundless mercy of God, who allowed His only Son to walk among us, showing us the way to live in love and grace.

As we journey through our own lives, let us aspire to cultivate a heart that mirrors that of our Savior. We must strive to extend compassion to those around us, embracing the struggles of our neighbors and lifting them in prayer. In moments of difficulty, let us remember the passion with which Christ faced His own trials, unwavering in His commitment to love and to serve.

Proverbs 19:17

17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Thank You Heavenly Father for the blessing of Christ Jesus

Dr. and Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech powerfully speaks to the liberation of humanity and the elevation of our collective conscience. He implored us to live according to the teachings of Jesus, dedicating his life to this transformative vision. Imagine if no one had embraced his

idealistic dream; fortunately, many of us were inspired by his words and joined his cause.

Yet, even more profound is the question: what if no one had listened to the original messenger, Jesus Christ? What if no one had followed our Lord and Savior, or documented His teachings to preserve the scriptures from generation to generation? Thanks to His devoted followers, the miracles of Christ's birth, life, and teachings continue to inspire us today.

Thessalonians 5:9-11

9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Dreams are where everything begins; without dreams, bright ideas cannot take flight. Are you a believer in dreams, or do you find yourself being a skeptic? While skepticism has its place in research and inquiry, daily life thrives on encouragement, positivity, and reassurance. In challenging times, we need each other’s support more than ever.

Are you someone who initiates support, whether through fundraising or volunteering, or do you think it’s someone else’s responsibility? We all benefit when others succeed; their blessings create a ripple effect that enhances our collective experience and value.  As you move through your day, take a moment to reach out to those around you. Check in on them, offer encouragement, share a smile, or lend a listening ear. Believe in their dreams and aspirations.

Dreamers thrive on the support of believers. Yet, amidst the routine of everyday life, ordinary individuals can greatly benefit from a touch of patience, a measure of grace, a spirit of courtesy and a boost of confidence. A sprinkle of kindness, a word of encouragement, and the warmth of Christian values can transform these mundane moments into opportunities for connection and upliftment. They are a chance to bring someone to the Lord or reassure their faith in God.

Thank You Heavenly Father for the blessing of Christ Jesus

Proverbs 27:10

Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; Neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: For better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far

Do what you can to help others achieve their dreams. The Bible tells us that sometimes a stranger can be a better ally than family or friends. Why is that? Often, our preconceived notions about those closest to us can cloud our judgment, leading us to underestimate their potential. Instead of stereotyping someone based on past accomplishments, let’s uplift and encourage one another.

Thank You Heavenly Father for the blessing of Christ Jesus

Matthew 17:10

20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Proverbs 11:25

25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed

Have you ever found yourself in a checkout line when someone gives you an extra penny? Or perhaps you’ve experienced the joy of a cashier telling you that the person ahead of you paid your bill? Maybe you've been in need of something as simple as a pencil or a tissue, and out of nowhere, someone hands you exactly what you need. Each of these small acts of kindness, whether intentional or not, is a blessing—a beautiful expression of fellowship

Sometimes, a simple kind word or a smile can transform someone’s worst day into something bearable—something you might not even realize they’re facing. Many people don’t want to show their vulnerability and mask their struggles. Kindness and a smile are free gifts; they cost us nothing to share. Each of us is a child of God, deserving of compassion and kindness.

When you perform these small acts of kindness, you are not just helping; you are fellowshipping. Others will see your example and may feel inspired to act in kind and it might strengthen their faith or make them a believer. It’s important to remember to give credit where it’s due: it is God who blesses, and we are merely vessels for His love.

Proverbs 11:17 - A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.

Believing in God is a powerful thing. We hold faith in Him and acknowledge that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to walk among us. Jesus mentored a few closely while reaching thousands with His teachings during His lifetime. Once again I must say that, His ministry continues to resonate today, guiding us with wisdom that has stood the test of over 2,000 years. As followers of His doctrine, we are called to pay it forward.

May we draw inspiration from His life and teachings, allowing His spirit to guide our actions. In doing so, we participate in the divine mission of spreading love and hope, becoming instruments of God's grace in the world. Together, let us seek to embody the heart of Christ, sharing His compassion and passion with everyone we encounter.

Thank You Heavenly Father for the blessing of Christ Jesus

Please reflect on the following scriptures:

Hebrews 10:24-25

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Galatians 6:2

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ

Luke 10:25

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, "Love your neighbor as yourself.”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Luke 16: 19-24

The Rich Man and Lazarus

19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

Hebrews 10:24

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,

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Thank You Heavenly Father for the blessing of Christ Jesus

As we share kindness, we ignite a chain reaction. Acts of kindness are contagious, spreading the wondrous blessings of God throughout our communities. Let us commit to paying it forward, fostering a spirit of fellowship and support that uplifts us all, especially throughout this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas