A note from Kelly King: The Christmas season is a great time for all of us to consider those in our lives who do not have a personal relationship with Christ. In today’s article, Stephanie Edge reminds of us of eternal truths worthy to share with those we encounter this month.
The holiday season evokes a variety of memories and emotions. Memories of past family gatherings, loved ones, hopes, and dreams. Regrets and feelings of loss sometimes find their way to the forefront of our minds. During this time of reflection and planning, women are open to Christ and to life change. Leaders must capture teachable moments to proclaim the great news of the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ.
What are some truths that can help transform our perspectives?
This present world and the things of this world are temporary. From youth, we are taught the value of success which is defined by good jobs, an abundance of possessions, homes, and monetary assets. God’s Word teaches, “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal, For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19-21).
Much of the busyness of Christmas can be a result of excessive shopping and a quest for material things. The world presents an alternative and distraction to celebrating Christ’s birth. While there is great value in blessing others (Acts 20:35), relationships and time spent with others is far more important than trinkets that collect dust and toys that are used for a short time. Who can you bless with the gift of your time? What can you, as a leader, do to encourage women to invest in relationships? It is through our renewed relationships with Christ that others come to know Him.
The greatest Christmas gift is Christ Himself. Shepherds received the good news of the birth of Christ in Luke 2:10-11, “…I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Christ’s birth was good news for all people. This gift of Christ is also recorded in the New Testament in John 3:16, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Because of Jesus Christ, we have:
Forgiveness of Sins
“Therefore, let it be known to you, brothers and sisters, that through this man forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you” (Acts 2:28). Christ came to deliver us from our sins. If you are a believer in Christ, your sins are forgiven. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Ps. 103:12).
Peace with God
Peace seems to be elusive in the world in which we live with rumors of wars, dissentions, crimes, and the mistreatment of children. The most important peace we can have is peace with God, knowing that we are in a right relationship with Him. Once we were without Christ, without hope, and without God. Through Christ, we have been brought near (Eph. 2:12-13). “Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). Jesus Himself is the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6).
Access to the Father
Through Christ, we have access to God the Father and are members of God’s household (Eph. 2:18-19). We can come boldly before the throne of grace to receive mercy and find help in our time of need (Heb. 4:16). Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father and intercedes on our behalf (Rom. 8:34).
Eternal Life
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life (Rom. 6:23). Christ paid our sin debt with His sacrificial death on the cross and resurrection. Through Christ, we have been brought from death into life (John 5:24). He has defeated death and taken away its sting (1 Cor. 15:55). We will live with Christ for eternity.
At Christmas, we celebrate the great news of Christ’s birth, death, resurrection, and soon return. Without Christ, there is no Christmas. What can you do to teach others about the gift of Christ? For some, this knowledge and understanding will lead to a personal relationship with Him that will change their eternities. Believers will reflect upon the price Christ paid for their salvation, rejoice, and give thanks for what He has done.
What will you do to point others to Christ this Christmas?
Stephanie Edge has a passion for teaching God’s Word and ministering to women. She served in women’s ministry in the local church for sixteen years and worked in college ministry for ten years. Stephanie graduated from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity. She also completed a Masters of Theology and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Stephanie teaches adjunct for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
