Have a merry, merry Christmas!

Let us be reminded that since Christ is the reason that we celebrate this Christmas season then we need to pattern the characteristics of Christ.

What are some of the characteristics of Christ?

They can be found in the word CHRISTMAS.

C – COMPASSIONATE.

Jesus had compassion on the widow who was mourning for her dead son while they were taking him for burial.

Jesus said to the widow, “Do not weep.”

Then He said to the dead son, “Young man, I say to you, ARISE!”

Therefore, let us take some time to minister life to those in need especially the widows and fatherless children.

And it came to pass the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and much people. Now when He came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And He delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumor of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about. (Luke 7:11-17)

H – HELPFUL

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He was always seeking people whom He could help.

For example, Jesus felt compelled to travel through Samaria from Judea to Galilee specifically to help a lonely woman searching for love.

Jesus not only saved and delivered this woman but He saved her household and the entire community and gave them living water to drink. (See Luke 4)

Every sick person that came to Jesus was healed of their diseases. Every demon-possessed person that Jesus encountered He delivered.

He did not turn anyone away. 

Everyone who had an encounter with Jesus left healed, fed, clothed, and in their right mind.

Even though Jesus’ priority was to first minister to the lost sheep of Israel, when a gentile woman ran after Him begging that He delivered her demon-possessed daughter He had pity on her when she cried out, “Lord help me.”

It was impossible for Jesus to refuse a cry for help.

So it should be with us as Christ’s followers. We must not resist a cry for help.

Many people are hurting so we need to ask God for a discerning spirit to answer the call for help.

Therefore, during this season let us take some time to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, and pray for the salvation of those who are bonded by sin.

References: – Matthew 4: 24-25; 15:22-28; Mark 5:1-20

R – RIGHTING THE WRONG

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He spoke and taught what was right and was not influenced by anyone, not even the politicians or religious elites.

He taught the way of God truthfully. 

In fact, Jesus stated that He is the way, the truth, and life. (John 14:6)

Hence, Jesus always ensured that He right the wrong in every person’s life that He encountered. He not only healed them of their diseases but He forgave their sins.

Jesus said to the bedridden man who was sick with the palsy, “Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.” (Luke 5:18-25)

Therefore, let us endeavor to be kind to each other, compassionate, and forgive each other even as Christ has forgiven us of our sins.

References: – Luke 20:21; Ephesians 4:32

I – IMPARTIAL

Regardless of whether the person was rich or poor, the color of their skin or nationality, Jesus showed the same mercy and kindness to everyone.

Jesus visited the house of Simon the leper no doubt to heal him of this terrible disease, but while He was there He allowed an adulterous woman to wash His feet with her tears and anoint His feet with sweet expensive perfume in gratitude for the many sins that Christ had forgiven her.

Jesus had dinner with tax collectors, Pharisees, publicans, sinners, and even with Zacchaeus who was a well-known crook.

But, whoever ate with Jesus was never the same again because salvation came into their house.

During this Christmas season, invite at least one homeless person, a fatherless child, a widow, or a stranger as your guest to enjoy the feast that you prepare for your family.

I can assure you that the Lord will pour out immeasurable blessings upon your life for that simple act of kindness.

References: – Matthew 9: 10; 26:1-13; Luke 7:36; 14:1; Luke 19.

S – SELFLESS

The selflessness of Jesus denotes His obedience, humility, patience, and love for us.

Even though Jesus was equal with God He humbled Himself and became a man of lowly estate and spent His entire life serving others.

He endured a shameful death on the cross in obedience to His Father.

Consequently, the Father exalted His Son and gave Him the highest name in heaven and earth that every knee will bow and worship Him as Lord and Savior.

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. (John 5:30)

It was love for humanity that led Jesus to submit to a cruel death.

It was love that raised Him victoriously from the grave to give us life everlasting.

May we endeavor to receive this selfless mind of Christ during this Christmas season.

References: – John 3:16; Philippians 2:5-12

T – TRUSTWORTHY

Many years before Christ’s birth Isaiah prophesied that the gentiles will trust in His name.

Indeed, throughout Jesus’ ministry, He never ceased to show kindness to everyone regardless of nationality.

The blind received their sight, the deaf heard, the dumb spoke, the lame walked, the lepers are cleansed, the dead are raised, and to the poor, the gospel is preached.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8)

This stable and trustworthy nature of Christ is a positive attribute to demonstrate to your family, friends, and even strangers during this season.

References: – Matthew 12:1-21; Luke 7:22

M – MERCIFUL

“Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on us.”

This was a constant cry that followed Jesus wherever He went and He never became weary of stopping to answer their cries.

They all received their request by the touch of His merciful hands.

Thus, the blind men received their sight, the demon-possessed daughter of the woman of Canaan was delivered, the man’s mentally ill son was delivered, the ten lepers were cured and countless others healed and restored. 

Mary the mother of Jesus magnified the merciful nature of God from generation to generation.

This everlasting grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ cleansed our sinful nature and gave us a rich inheritance in the Lord. 

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:2-7)

We all can testify that we have obtained mercy and forgiveness from the Lord Jesus Christ.

It behooves us, then, to extend this same mercy and compassion to others and become Christ’s merciful hands during the Christmas season.

References: – Matthew 9; 15; 17; 20; Luke 1; 17. 

A – APPRECIATIVE

Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. (John 11:41)

Jesus had an active prayer life. He spent many hours alone on the mountain praying and in those quiet moments, He never cease to give thanks to the Father.

Jesus prayed throughout the night and on the fourth watch of the night, He arose from His knees and walked triumphantly on top of the water.

He triumphed over the enemy and walked victoriously.

By faith, we can step out on the water with Jesus.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed until His sweat was like drops of blood.

It was a prayer of strength to submit to the will of the Father and endure the cross.

Let us show our appreciation to Christ in our devotion and obedience to Him.

In all things let us give God thanks because this is the will of the Father. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

S – SAVING GRACE

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:19-21)

The angel of the Lord prophesied that Mary will give birth to a male child and they should call His name Jesus because He would save His people from their sins.

The name Jesus means “Jehovah is salvation” (Strong”s Concordance).

Jesus fulfilled His purpose and destiny. He died and rose again to remove the curse of sin and save us from damnation.

May the Lord help us to receive this free gift of Salvation.

By exemplifying at least one of the above characteristics of Jesus is guaranteed to put Christ in your Christmas celebration.

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS!