14 And as Moses lifted up the
serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted
up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should
not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave
his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not
perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world
to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be
saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not
condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he
hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:14-18 (KJV)
16 Let your light so shine before
men that they should see your good works and glorify your Father,
which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
Instead of trying to be in competition
with your neighbors to see who can get the most, spend some time
helping others that are in need.
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3
Instead of uplifting oneself by proclaiming
in a boastful way what you have, encourage the downtrodden and the
ones that may not feel like celebrating this season. Take a special
gift to a mother that has lost a child. Offer to spend time with
someone that doesn't have someone to spend the holidays with.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they
shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Instead of drawing attention to yourself,
let the focus be on Jesus. Reflect to others what Jesus means to you.
Show the world that Christmas is more than things. Let this also be a
time for forgiveness. Forgive those that have gone against
you.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall
inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
No matter how many around you seem to be
doing wrong things like pushing and shoving ahead of others in line,
shoplifting, using harsh words, getting drunk on alcohol, and taking
the focus off Jesus, practice being one you know Jesus would be proud
to have in His kingdom. This is a great time of the year to set the
example of behavior Jesus would approve.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and
thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew
5:6
Instead of retaliating when someone does you
wrong this season, just back away. Instead of shoving back or saying
more unkind words, say, "Excuse me." and depart. Don't allow yourself
to be caught up in an unmanageable situation that will leave you
looking any less than a Child of God.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall
obtain mercy Matthew 5:7
Don't allow yourself to get into situations
where your faith could be compromised. Allow your actions to be of
God. Acknowledge Him in all things. Don't think because it's the
holiday season that it is okay to let your faith go or to do things
you know are wrong.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they
shall see God. Matthew 5:8
Keep an humble spirit. Share Jesus in all
your ways, from setting a good example to proclaiming his name among
nonbelievers. Set yourself not to wrath. Do not fight with your
neighbor even if you are provoked. Do not fuel a fight. No matter how
much you nurse a grudge it doesn't get better.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they
shall be called the children of God Matthew 5:9
Do not allow others to vex your spirit. Even
if they persecute you, hold you in scorn for your ways, make fun of
you, exclude you from festivities, or even attack you physically,
spiritually, emotionally, or mentally, remember that Jesus loves
them, too. Others do not understand the significance of the birth of
Jesus. Even if they do, some choose to rebel against anything to do
with Jesus. Do your best to show the love of Jesus in these
situations.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for
righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile
you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you
falsely, for my sake. Matthew 10-11
Tell someone Jesus loves them.
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth,
will draw all men unto me. John 12:32