Session 23

A reason to be generous this Christmas

From A Celebration of Advent: A 25-Day Devotional

“He has sent me to tell those who mourn
    that the time of the Lord’s favor has come” - Isaiah 61:2

Jesus came “to proclaim good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives.” When Jesus returned to heaven, that work became ours to continue. We give our money and our time because we’re followers of Jesus. No matter our circumstances, we are blessed. Jesus blesses us so that we can bless others. 

Favor is simply another way of describing God’s approval and delight. We receive God’s favor, not because of anything we’ve done, but because Jesus died for our sins and made us children of God. Because God established an eternal covenant with us through Jesus, the time of the Lord’s favor is now! 

We may not have as much as someone else, but we have what we need to continue Jesus’ mission until He returns. Look for opportunities in the community to serve others. As we do, people start to see there’s something special about God’s people, and His goodness becomes known among the nations. 

Reflect: 

• What’s one way you can be generous to those in need? 
  

• What’s one way you can encourage someone someone who’s struggling this Christmas? 
  

• Is there anything that’s been lost that God might want to work through you to restore?