Year Round Christmas
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16).
To me, this is what Christmas is all about. It is about unbridled, unconditional love that gives gifts that change your life. Jesus came and received the power of God and demonstrated giving these life-changing gifts. He freely gave forgiveness and physical healing to all. He gave food to the hungry. He gave freedom to the mentally and emotionally bound. He gave peace to the troubled and he gave power to the weak.
Those who had no joy became jubilant in his presence. Then, he gave a commission to his followers. He instructed us to go and preach this good news to every creature on earth (Mark 16:15-20).
He said to preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, the kingdom is now within your grasp. He said to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give (Matthew 10:7,8).
The essence and operation of the church is to go and give the supernatural provisions and power of God freely to all just like Jesus did. It is to be Christmas year round saving everyone, everywhere, in every way by the power of the Holy Spirit through the Almighty name of Jesus. The leadership of the church is to set the example and train the believers to move in the power of the Holy Spirit.
When the church meets together, the guidance of the Holy Spirit is to be followed implicitly. When this happens, Jesus, the gift giver is allowed to operate through the yielded ones. Hearts are graced and mended, physical healings are given, miracles occur. There is true reverence and awe of God’s goodness and greatness, and overflowing and exuberant joy rings out with shouts of praise and thanksgiving. That’s when the church meets together. Then when she goes out and shares this wonderful, powerful, risen Savior with those who sit in darkness, disease, and despair, lives are changed in the world by the gifts of God that are freely given to all.
The delight of the colorful lights and the festive joyful “good will to all men” holiday is a great depiction and celebration of what God wants to do for all mankind every day in every way. May this be a Merry John 3:16 Christmas for you and all yours this day and every day of the year!
Jackie Calhoun is a contributing writer and can be reached at jackiecalhoun@gmail.com