A Year-Round Christmas Heart

 

I find it intriguing to read what strong opinions people have about the timing of when Christmas decorations should be put up and taken down. People will disagree with one another, or even feel embarrassed at times (due to the presumed judgement of others) about when they do or don't put them up or take them down. I don't suppose it really matters, but it does make me a little sad to see the decor taken down so soon after Christmas day. 

You see, we people seem to be much kinder to one another when the world looks like Christmas. Most of us have noticed at one time or another that our general treatment of each other seems much more pleasant and genuine during this time of year. We remember the goodness of God's gift a little more and many of us try to "pay it forward" in the best ways we know how throughout the season.  It seems, however, that the minute the Christmas decorations come down, so do the attitudes of our hearts. It's a sad observation to me. 

Most people generally like the idea of being kind to one another at all times; but as Christians we are actually called to it. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus explains that pretty much everything that God tells us in the Bible about how to live life comes down to these two things: (1) Love God with every part of you, and (2) Love each other as yourself. I think most of us still desire to be this way no matter the time of year; but, somehow, we are little better at taking action and loving each other well during the Christmas season. 

So as we start 2015, here's to making an effort to keep a "Christmas heart" towards others all year long, and praying it's an infectious attitude! 

Jesus replied, 

“‘You must love the Lord your God 

With all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

A second is equally important: 

‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 

The entire law and all the demands of the prophets 

Are based on these two commandments.”

 - Matthew 22:37-40 NLT