Gradually getting into Christmas spirit

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This weekend there are several parades and activities for families to celebrate Christmas. The Rockford Christmas parade is on Saturday night beginning at 6. The town is also hosting a festival, “Rockford’s Christmas in Snowville,” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with vendors, food trucks and music.

I love Christmas, and usually it’s my favorite time of the year. However, it’s been hard for me to get in the Christmas spirit this year, but I’m getting there, just slower than usual. That being said, all the community decorations, church events and area activities have been a definite help with the best thing being spending time with my family and church.

Last week, Providence Baptist had a great fifth Wednesday night supper. Then we decorated the church for Christmas, so Sunday morning everything looked so pretty! We have a Christmas lunch planned for Sunday, December 17, immediately after morning worship service. Then on the eighteenth, nineteenth and twenty-second the youth will be Christmas caroling.

Christmas is so much more commercialized than when I was young, but regardless we need to remember the true reason for the season is to celebrate the birth of Jesus. So, if you don’t already have a way of including Jesus’ birth in your celebrations, I encourage you to begin a new tradition this year; go to a church Christmas service or include the reading of the Christmas story when your family gathers.

Last week I gave the definition of generosity. This week, one synonym is unselfishness. This is a good time to practice it. It doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant, but do something this week for someone else. Sometimes just giving of yourself by visiting or making a phone call can be a great blessing to someone.

So, my Bible verses are Matthew 20:26-28, which read, “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

These verses are a reminder of what following Christ looks like. Jesus is teaching the disciples that the way to greatness is by being humble and loving, not by arrogance and self-centeredness. As Christians, we need to remember, regardless of our circumstances, we need to practice love and unselfishness to others.

Being a Christian does not make us better than others, but it is special because we have that knowledge and contentment in the assurance that Christ is our Savior. Just as Jesus came not as a king, but a servant to save mankind, we should serve Jesus by telling others about Him. My mama always said you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar, which means for us to be kind and generous with others.

Pray for those in our community that are experiencing sickness, as well as those that are grieving with the loss of a loved one. We need to remember the shut-ins and their families, as well. So please pray for their healing in God’s will. God knows their names and needs. Until next week, take care and be joyful!