WHAT TO DO DURING CHRISTMAS

Christmas is a season that many anticipate yearly. It is that time of the year when love is shown to people around you.

Families and friends come together, eat, drink and celebrate. You get to have a good time with people around you.

Here are some tips on activities you can do to make Christmas memorable.

• Going to the park, having a picnic and organizing a party with loved ones.

• Buying so many gifts, preparation of so many delicious, assorted, and sumptuous meals.

• Making special dresses, singing and playing carol songs.

• Going to the orphanage with gifts for the children there.

• Getting gift cards for your spouse or partner and making sure your children get unforgettable moments.

• Giving discounts for your customers in your company in the spirit of the season.

You can do so many lovely things to celebrate the season. It is the birth of one who matters to you.

One of the sweet things to be done this season is to get a good right with people around us.

You might have been hurt by your friends and trusted ones this year, and you might have hurt them also.

Either ways, it is important to make peace, reconcile, and start the new year on a clean slate.

If you have caused pain, damages and injuries by or to someone physically and emotionally, it’s best to seek for forgiveness.

Matthew 6:12 (TPT)
“Forgive us the wrongs we have done as we ourselves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us.”

When Jesus, the reason for the season, was teaching his disciples how to pray during his earthly ministry, He talked about forgiveness.

Whenever we wrong Him, we seek for His forgiveness. And in His infinite love, He forgives us. Likewise should we forgive others.

Matthew 6:14 (TPT)
“And when you pray, make sure you forgive the faults of others, so that, your Father in heaven will also forgive you.”

Matthew 6:15 (TPT)
“But if you withhold forgiveness from others, your Father withholds forgiveness from you.”

It is not always easy to forgive. You might have been hurt severely by people you never imagined would wrong you, yet, there is no strength in offense.

You have to let go of the memories of pain and hurt, if you must enjoy inner peace and tranquility.

Ephesians 4:32 (TPT)
“But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love.”

As you read this, pause for a moment to reflect on the things God has done for you. Ponder on the things Christ went through for your sake. That is the essence of Christmas.

Jesus forgave you even before you sought for His forgiveness.

Let his love saturate your heart.

You will make Jesus happy this season by forgiving everyone who wronged you, and asking for forgiveness from thoseyou have wronged. Let it be your Gift to Jesus.

By the Grace of God, one ought to always forgive, but on no account should you do wrong to someone repeatedly and intentionally because you know that you will be forgiven. God forbids it!

Colossians 3:12-14 (TPT)

12. You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others.

13. Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them.

14. For love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark of true maturity.

Do you know that one of the ways to show love towards people is by forgiveness?

Yes! It is one of the ways to show love.

Similarly, the best way to show love to yourself is forgiveness.

You get burdens off your heart, peace and tranquility into your soul, and joy into your disposition.

Luke 11:28 (TPT)
‘Yes,” said Jesus. “But God will bless all who listen to the word of God and carefully obey everything they hear.”

John 14:21 (TPT)
Those who truly love me are those who obey my commands. Whoever passionately loves me will be passionately loved by my Father. And I will passionately love you in return and will manifest my life within you.”

John 14:23 (TPT)
Jesus replied, “Loving me empowers you to obey my word. And my Father will love you so deeply that we will come to you and make you our dwelling place.

Love for Christ is proven and demonstrated by our obedience to all that he says.

He has commanded that you should forgive. In love and obedience to His commands, forgive and make peace with all men.

It will be so lovely is you say merry Christmas to people with love in your heart, with a free and sound mind towards them.

Merry Christmas in advance.

Scripture credit: The Passion Translation (TPT)