Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year, but not for the reasons that the songwriter lists.
It is a wonderful time because it is when we, as the Church, have chosen to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, the most wonderful gift ever given.
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7 (NIV)
That tiny baby, Mary’s boy, was given to the whole world because of God’s love, mercy, grace, and kindness!
That kindness is immeasurable.
Because of God’s kindness to us in Christ Jesus, we have the promise of eternal life. That life starts here on earth, but continues on beyond the limits of our human body’s life span throughout all of time eternal.
Because of God’s kindness to us in Christ Jesus, we have relationship with Him, the one, true and living God. Now that’s a lot of kindness!
And there’s so much more than that (as if that’s not enough!). We get to experience His love, joy, peace and infinitely more because God’s mercies are new every morning.
There are dozens of verses in the Word that refer to the kindness of the Lord…because He is LOVE and love is kind. (1 Corinthians 13:4)
When I contemplate God’s kindness toward me, I am simply overwhelmed and often reduced to tears. It is far, far more than I deserve.
If we are His daughters, then that kindness should be evident in our lives. We have His Holy Spirit living inside us and kindness is one of the fruit of the Spirit.
This is yet another criterion we should use when we assess our behavior toward our husbands, families, friends, and others.
It’s a simple question, best asked before we say or do anything: Is this kind?
It can also be used after the fact if we get a less-than-favorable response/reaction from someone: Was I kind?
As we continue this wonderful time of the year, I would encourage you to ask yourself these questions and adjust your words and actions accordingly. We can allow God’s kindness to flow through us to others today and every day. His kindness, when made manifest in us and through us, is powerful. It can change hearts and lives in ways that only God can do.
I am so very grateful that I have the opportunity to partner with God in His kindness to the world and I intend to be more purposeful about it than ever before. Will you join me?
Rebecca
I’m all in!
Love this post, Rebecca!