The Love of Christ!

Luke 14:1-14

Sabbath Day observance was one of the central issues of Jewish identification.  Failure to obey the Sabbath day law would result in the death penalty for the offender.  The Pharisees had become masters of creating several man-made rules that became a heavy burden on the people.  Jesus went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath, where He saw a man with dropsy.  Jesus asked the Pharisees if it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath, and when they kept silent, He went on to heal the sick man, for he needed healing!

Jesus knew that the real problem was that the Pharisees had become cold in their love and care for people.  They honestly did not care.  They indeed had no love!  They had lost sight of the royal law, upon which all the law and commands hung (Matthew 22:37-40).  It was to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and secondly, but equally important, is to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.  

This Christmas, let us look around and see what people need.  Some need a kind word.  Some need encouragement.  Some need direction and guidance.  Some need monetary help.  Some are feeling lonely and left out.  Some have suffered great loss.  They would love to be included in our celebrations.  Whatever their need may be, if we want to be sensitive to the needs of those around us, the Lord will open our eyes.  

Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:20).  And this is the best way to celebrate Christmas.  The Bible says that God so loved this world that He gave His Son.  The Father's love resulted in Jesus being born in this world to become the ultimate sacrifice.  Our love for God should also result in action!

My friend, let us not be just tradition-bound this season and become entirely useless to others in this life.  Let us focus on how to make a difference in the lives of those around us.    Our love for God and His love for us should be shown to this world through our lives.  

Prayer:  Jesus, make me an instrument of Your love, peace, hope and joy in this hurting world.  Not only during this Christmas season but every day of my life.   Amen