3.) Speak Life and Reflect Light.

1. Jesus came to give life when we were dead in sin and headed to eternal death.
2. Jesus always shines light in darkness; in fact, He IS light!
3. Show life and light by being encouraged (get out of the news and into the Word!) and by being encouraging!
4. Be a true “Joy to the World” with your face and your words!
   1. *When:
      1. In the hustle and bustle of: Christmas shopping, errand running, decorating,
      2. Baking, wrapping, prepping
      3. In getting together with family, friends, church family.
5. Pray for wisdom to speak life and reflect life when you feel that family or friends misunderstand you or reject you. (Jesus knows all about that; He has never rejected you; He loves and accepts you. AND He still is life and light to those who misunderstand Him and reject Him. We can follow His example.)
6. Especially be aware of speaking life and reflecting light to those who desperately need Him. (This is so hard to remember in the hustle and bustle.)

 

4) Celebrate with Grace. 

1. Celebrate—to acknowledge a happy day or event with a social gathering or enjoyable activity; to praise or honor someone.
2. Grace—courteous goodwill; a free and loving gift of unmerited favor.
   1. By its definition, celebration SHOULD take place with GRACE. If it doesn’t, maybe it’s because we’re not truly celebrating.
3. Jesus came to love and to die for undeserving sinners—you and me.
4. We can and should celebrate with grace, no matter how “undeserving” those around us are.
   1. Speak Gently. (Graciously, Prov. 11:16)
   2. Serve Gracefully. (Mary and Martha, Luke 10:38-42)
   3. Celebrate Gregariously. (In a friendly way that shows a liking for the company of others; social, friendly, approachable.)  **Don’t be a Scrooge or a Grinch.