Colossians 3:17 · New International Version

Here's a Brief Background...

The Apostle Paul was writing to the church in Colossae, a city which was located in what is now known as modern-day Turkey.

At the time, he was imprisoned in Rome for testifying for Christ and living his faith to the fullest.

Paul was concerned that false teachings had overtaken the church there and wanted to call believers to live out their faith in every part of their lives and do it in the name of Jesus.

He viewed this as a way to express gratitude to God for everything He has done and continues to do for us.

Ultimately, it means living a life of worship, thanksgiving, and emulating the compassionate and selfless behavior of Jesus Christ.

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Let's Break It Down...

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed,

Words are important. Our actions convey strong messages. We need to consider how these elements impact others. Both can either uplift or diminish. During this holiday season, let kindness guide our hearts and minds through our words and actions.

do it in the name of the Lord Jesus,

If you believe in Jesus Christ, especially during Christmas, consider the incredible deeds and teachings he continues to share with us. We should strive to give to others and perform kind acts in his name.

giving thanks to God the Father through him."

The Christmas season is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior, who is desperately needed in our world. By living out our faith, we express our gratitude to God for sending His Son to save us from our sins.

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Take Some Action...

Here are several ways to embody your faith during this holiday season; the spirit of giving doesn’t have to be confined to presents under a tree. It can manifest through your actions and deeds:

Be a Servant.

Volunteer at a food bank or help out at a community center. Think of a tangible way to serve others in need.

Offer Hospitality.

Invite someone who is alone to share a meal or coffee with you during the holiday. Spend quality time with someone who could really use it.

Give Generously.

If you can give this season, please consider donating to a charity that is meaningful to you or offering support to a family in need.

Pray for Others.

Prayer is incredibly powerful and often underestimated in our world. Take a moment amidst the busyness of this season to pray for those in need. Your heartfelt prayers will be heard and are just what everyone needs.

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To Sum it All Up...

The holiday season can be pretty stressful for many people. However, it also provides us with an opportunity to embrace its true spirit.

Christmas signifies much more than simply buying presents; it allows us to express recognition, care, and love for one another.

Most importantly, it is a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Here's a Prayer For You...

Dear God,​
As this holiday season unfolds, help me live out my faith in meaningful ways.

Teach me to follow the example of Jesus, prioritizing others above myself and staying focused on the true essence of this season rather than its commercial distractions.

Fill my heart with compassion so I can extend the kindness and grace You so freely give me each day.

Thank You for the priceless gift of Your Son, Jesus, who brought us the hope of eternal life with You. May my prayers and actions be a blessing to those around me.

Amen.

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I hope you find time to spend with your family and friends this Christmas and together worship the true meaning of the season.

This week, let’s embrace the spirit of giving and share our faith to illuminate someone’s Christmas holiday.

May your days be filled with joy, love, and countless blessings!

Together, let’s lift each other up on this beautiful journey of faith and compassion, spreading hope and warmth wherever we go.

Quentin