November 29, 2023 • 28 mins
How can we be a ray of hope, light and joy to others this Christmas? By pointing them to Jesus- through gifts of service, prayer, words, and the gift of our presence. And if you are giving a tangible gift, consider a spiritually sensitive present that points to the meaning of Christmas.
We retrace the steps of the first Christmas, looking at Zachariah and Elizabeth and their calling to parent, John—the herald and forerunner of Jesus. We, too, can be forerunners and take inspiration from the star of Bethlehem, lighting the way for others to experience the true joy of Christmas.
Finding the perfect Christmas gift doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. We can gift people in many ways beyond tangible presents—from gifts of service, prayer, words as well as the gift of our presence. Reaching out to those in need can bring true joy and fulfillment, even more than the most wished for gift. Whether it's volunteering at a local food bank, helping a family in need, or simply praying for those who send us Christmas cards, we can make a difference.
Christmas is an incredible opportunity to uplift those around us with prayer and words. The gift of words, so simple, yet so profound and can brighten and give courage to someone's holiday season, especially those experiencing challenging times. Find resources and tips on how to pray for others during the season and give the gift that keeps on giving. These gifts don't require a hefty price tag, they just need a generous heart.
As we enter the Christmas season, let's ask God to make us like John and the star of Bethlehem, pointing the way to Jesus and preparing the hearts of those around us.
RESOURCES;
Leave treats for delivery drivers and postal workers. Download Signs & Notes Here.
Pray for those around you. Find 3 prayer resources here.
The Meaning of The Candy Cane
My 1st Christmas in Heaven Poem
SOCIAL MEDIA: @called_toshine Instagram.
Follow us on Instagram and enjoy the community as we spur each other on through inspiration, encouragement, and equipping.
And always you can find resources to help you connect to the people around you at NBS2GO! (nbs2go.com)
— A ministry of NBS2GO: Neighbor Bible Studies to Go and Cru
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Pam McCune (00:02):
Hello,Jesslyn here, and Pam, welcome to the
community where we explore howJesus is our light and we are
here to spur each other on tolove God and others, right where
we live.
Jesslyn Adams (00:14):
We are called to shine.
In episode 7, we looked at howto stop and savor the Savior
throughout the Christmas season.
In episode 8, we looked at howto set apart our family time and
say yes to God by loving thepeople in our life right now
through traditions, hospitalityand table talk.
This episode, we will look athow to point people to Jesus,
(00:35):
just like the star of Bethlehempointed to the wise man to
worship the baby.
Pam McCune (00:39):
We decided to go back to the first Christmas and
see why can we glean from theoriginal Christmas to find how
we can make it memorable,meaningful and simple.
We came down to three thingsthat it centered around.
It centered around a family,and then we found out that it
centered around a message he iscoming, the Messiah is coming.
(00:59):
It centered around a baby thatwas worthy to be worshiped
because of who he was the firstChristmas.
When we read about Gabrielcoming to Mary, it started
within the sixth month.
It was the sixth month ofElizabeth's pregnancy.
Elizabeth, mary's cousin, waspregnant, which was an amazing
thing to celebrate.
(01:20):
Here's what it said In the timeof Herod, king of Judea, there
was a priest named Zachariah whobelonged to the priestly
division.
His wife, Elizabeth, was also adescendant of Aaron.
Both of them were righteous inthe sight of the Lord, observing
all the Lord's commands anddecrees blamelessly.
But they were childless becauseElizabeth was not able to
(01:42):
conceive and they were both veryold.
Once, when Zachariah's divisionwas on duty and he was serving
as priest before God, he waschosen by lot, according to the
custom of the priesthood, to gointo the temple of the Lord and
burn incense, and when the timefor the burning of the incense
came, all the assembledworshipers were praying outside.
Then an angel of the Lordappeared to him and standing at
(02:05):
the right side of the altar ofincense.
When Zachariah saw him, he wasstartled and was gripped with
fear.
Now, this is how you respondwhen you see a warrior angel you
are gripped with fear.
I don't know what was wrongwith Mary, but Zachariah had the
right response.
But the angel said Do not beafraid, Zachariah, your prayer
(02:27):
has been heard.
Are you like me?
You're praying for everythingand you're wondering.
Oh, I wonder which prayer thatwas.
I don't think so, becauseZachariah and Elizabeth the
prayer of their heart was tohave a child.
And the angel said your wifeElizabeth will bear you a son
and you were to call him John.
He will be a joy and delight toyou and many will rejoice
(02:48):
because of his birth, for hewill be great in the sight of
the Lord.
He has never to take wine orother fermented drink and he
will be filled with the HolySpirit even before he is born.
He will bring back many of thepeople of Israel to the Lord,
their God, and he will go onbefore the Lord in the spirit
and power of Elijah to turn thehearts of the parents to their
(03:10):
children and the disobedient tothe wisdom of the righteous to
make ready a people prepared forthe Lord.
Zachariah asked the angel onequestion, just like Mary
Actually it looked a lot likeMary's question.
He said how can I be sure ofthis?
I'm an old man and my wife iswell along.
In years he had much betteretiquette than Gabriel.
(03:33):
He didn't call her old, but theangel said to him I am Gabriel,
I stand in the presence of Godand I have been sent to speak to
you and to tell you this goodnews.
And now you will be silent andnot be able to speak until the
day this happens because you didnot believe my words, which
will come true at theirappointed time, even though they
were the same words.
(03:54):
There was something about theheart that Zachariah doubted
that the angel could make ithappen, maybe from his age of
being disappointed over and overagain.
Meanwhile, the people areoutside waiting for Zachariah
and wondering why he stayed solong in the temple.
Well, when he came out, hecould not speak to them.
Can you imagine what this waslike?
(04:14):
He had the best news, the bestscoop he was going to tell them
that they were going to have ababy and God had a plan for him,
and that he saw an angel and hecan't do any words.
We think this might be thefirst game of charades.
He came out, he's flapping hisarms, saying angel, and then
he's rocking a baby, trying tosay baby, and you know they're
(04:36):
thinking what is wrong with him.
Bottom line is this wasn't animmaculate conception and
Zachariah acted on what he heardand he believed because he went
and spent time with Elizabethand she came up pregnant, it
says.
When his time of service wascompleted he returned home and
after this his wife becamepregnant.
(04:57):
For five months she remained inseclusion.
Then she said the Lord has donethis for me.
How sweet is that that she wasseen by God and she was thankful
that he saw her inner desireand he said, yes, in those days
he had shown his favor and takenaway my disgrace among the
(05:19):
people.
It was a disgrace to be bearingas if she had done something
wrong and God had removed thedisgrace.
Who knows if she waited thosefive months so that she could
come out showing and all of asudden go ta-da, I'm pregnant.
But you know what, wow, howamazing this season we get to be
, just like that First seasonthat John was conceived and
(05:42):
brought about with a purpose totell people about Jesus coming.
Behold the Lamb of God whotakes away the sins of the world
, to point people to Jesus, toprepare people.
We can do that today.
It's a time that we actuallycan say Merry Christmas and
Christ.
So we can do that in a myriadof ways Loving them where
they're at and to be the light,help them to come meet the
(06:04):
Christ child.
For me, it can be sharing withpeople my excitement about why I
love this season so much.
I love giving gifts, so one ofthe things I like to do is put a
basket by my door so whoevercomes, they're going to get a
treat.
Maybe it's some lotions, maybeit's a candy cane, because I can
put the story of what the candycane was meant.
You know those biblical candycanes, the red and white ones.
(06:26):
You that are using thosedifferent colors.
Those are not biblical candycanes.
The person that made the candycane had a reason that the white
symbolized Jesus' purity andperfection and why he could pay
the penalty for us, and the redmeans his blood that had to be
spilled to actually take ourpayment so that we could be in a
relationship with God, and heintertwined them together in the
(06:47):
shape of a J for Jesus or ashepherds hook, because he's the
great shepherd.
So I like printing off thatstory of the original candy cane
means and tying it to a candycane.
I have no idea If kids come,they can take one and has a
meaning.
The story that comes can have aspecial gift.
But I don't just like to givethose gifts to whoever comes to
my door the Christmas season.
(07:09):
I like these six-inch spikenails that are a replicate the
original Roman nail that wereused to attach Jesus on the
cross.
There's a tradition that youput this nail on your tree first
because it represents the firstChrist tree who decorated it
with his life.
For my kids we hide it deepinside and we make it a game of
(07:29):
can you find it?
Can you find it?
But we know it's the firstornament that goes on our tree.
When Mr.
Terminix came to spray my housein December because that's what
we do in Texas, we have bugs Iran out and said oh, merry
Christmas, I forgot to give youyour gift.
And I handed him his six-inchspike nail and I said, oh, I
hope you don't already have one.
And he said I assure you, noone's ever given me a six-inch
(07:51):
spike nail.
But he looked down and he readthe card on it and he looked
back up and he said thank youfor reminding me what we're
celebrating.
This means a lot to me.
We also have two-inch spikenails to remember Christ.
Why he was born was to come toactually die for us so that we
can be in relationship with God.
As long as I'm giving a gift, Iwould love for it to point
(08:12):
people to Jesus.
Let's be honest.
We have a lot of gifts to buyfrom teachers to friends that we
might not have a lot of moneyto give, but if we can give it a
spiritually significant, thatreally helps point to Jesus as
well.
Jesslyn Adams (08:26):
Don't forget those people who come to your
door daily this season you knowdelivery drivers and postal
workers.
Go ahead and put a basket bythe door, add some water bottles
and treats in it.
Ready to go.
Maybe a little thank you notethat says we appreciate you.
This season, merry Christmas.
In our show notes we will havelinks to these thank you note
designs so that you can downloadand print yourself.
Pam McCune (08:48):
The link that you can download them.
There's five different options,depending on if you want a
serious, pretty or comical onethat you can download that says
thank you so much for deliveringus our goodies.
Please take one.
We appreciate you and MerryChristmas.
I go ahead and laminate it, butyou don't have to, you can just
print it off.
(09:08):
They see it.
Most of them know by now that alot of us do this, and so they
know.
Okay, I'm supposed to take oneof these.
That's why she has the basketwhere I drop off all of her
packages.
This is a crazy job to have thistime of year because I think I
keep them in business by just me, or at least my husband thinks
I keep them in business.
But all the times I click ordernow and I like having things
(09:29):
delivered to my house, why wouldI want to go in the store?
They're crazy.
This time of year.
All of you people out thereseem to be hurried and cranky.
I wouldn't much rather sit inmy house and push order and let
Mr Driver come to my house andjust give him an added blessing.
Jesslyn Adams (09:46):
Those Amazon drivers.
They really need our love andappreciation.
They're working overtime, soit's a good idea to remember
them.
Pam, I've seen the power ofgift giving.
In fact, today my friendJeremiah played pickleball with
him.
Every Tuesday they become alittle family and I remember I
had just been there a couplemonths and I thought Valentine's
(10:07):
Day is coming up.
I would love to bless them andlet me just tell you, everybody
wants a pickleball ball becausethere's a certain ball you need
to use.
So I thought I'll give somecandy, put a pickleball in a bag
and we'll see what God does.
And today, several months later, jeremiah said Jaisalyn, I
remember when you brought thoseballs and you gave it to all of
us, I went home and told my wifeabout that.
(10:29):
That had such an impact andmade me realize the people that
I play pickleball with.
They're special and you're likefamily to me.
I'm here for you and you'rehere for me.
Pam McCune (10:37):
Now Jesslyn, is gift giving, your love language.
How do you feel about buyinggifts this Christmas?
Jesslyn Adams (10:43):
I do love giving gifts.
It's probably right thereafterwards of affirmation.
With Christmas coming up, Iwould love to bless everybody
with tons of gifts, but Itypically just set a small
budget and think about the keypeople that I see in certain
businesses.
In fact, over Thanksgiving weekI realized the girl that cuts
my boy's hair.
I would love to bring hersomething special, and so I was
(11:04):
at my favorite bakery and Ithought I'm gonna buy some
scones for her and her ladiesthat work there and it meant so
much to her.
And so I'm thinking who arethose people that I see on a
regular basis that I can getgifts for, and it doesn't have
to be much?
I mean, a lot of times I go getsome peppermint Ghirardelli
chocolates and a little notesand people just love the thought
.
I think it's the thought thatcounts.
Pam McCune (11:25):
I think you think well, because you have given me
two really special gifts overthe last year that you thought
through what I would reallyappreciate.
You sent them to me, from myTexas Tac insulated cup to Mama
Holmes candle and it wasdefinitely a blessing.
So, be it peppermint chocolate,or you go ahead and spend the
(11:46):
big budget all of us can thinkthrough.
Who can we bless and give themthose gifts we can give Pam.
Jesslyn Adams (11:53):
I also like the idea of gift, of service.
Some of the most memorableChristmases that I can remember
are actually when we took partin trying to bless somebody else
over the season.
There were a couple differentoccasions that our Bible study,
the families.
We all chipped in to helpdonate to a family that was in
need for Christmas and we tookthe kids with us to go shopping.
(12:14):
We got their wish list and itwas so different and it was like
the first time our kids reallyunderstood okay, like some
people don't have all thepresents that I get on Christmas
morning or the idea of I'mgetting this gift for somebody
else, and so whenever we tookthe gifts, they were wrapped, we
brought a meal.
It blessed me more than I everrealized.
I'm not sure if my kidsremember all of it, but just the
(12:36):
idea of helping somebody outover the Christmas season gave
us a whole new perspective andgratitude.
This year, our small group infact, is partnering with the
local church and maybe thatmight be something going on in
your area.
I guarantee many towns haveways whether to volunteer at the
food bank as a family or todistribute a Christmas meal.
This year we're actually goingto be helping a family that goes
(12:56):
to a church.
They need host families to helpand greet people that show up
to go through a line to get topick out Christmas gifts and
enjoy a meal together.
I'm so excited that we'reputting that in our calendar.
I think this is probably goingto be the event that we remember
, along with Christberg.
Pam McCune (13:12):
I think you're right and I think it says a lot.
Just that your heart right, andit speaks much to your kids as
well to say what do we reallyvalue?
We value service and being thehands and feet of God, of loving
others with our time, ourenergy and maybe our money as
well.
It could be official or itcould be we look around and just
(13:32):
see who God's put in our path.
Is there a single mom thatwould very much appreciate
getting to go wrap her kidsgifts without her kids sneaking
in?
Or maybe you'd want to take herkids to go pick out a gift from
the dollar store that is asurprise, for once their mom's
going to get a gift that shedidn't know about.
Or if a single mom or an elderlyhaving trouble putting up the
(13:55):
tree or taking down their treeor wrapping gifts, there's a lot
of things that can take manyhands that we can lean into and
see what the needs are around usthat we could help.
And yes, they're probably notgoing to ask for help.
We're probably going to have topush ourselves in and say, hey,
I'm coming over to help, let meknow just what time, otherwise
I'm just coming in.
Jesslyn Adams (14:13):
So during the pandemic we all know that our
emotional well-being was at anall-time low you needed things
to be excited about Decoratingyour house.
I mean, if you notice,everybody's decorations for
every holiday now have gone upexponentially after COVID.
So our sweet neighbor he is aflight attendant and he was
obviously not working during theheight of the pandemic and so
(14:34):
he literally went and did fouror five homes, bought the lights
and strung things around ourtrees, just put up several
things for people.
I've never seen anything likethat.
I couldn't believe it.
He bought the lights, he got hisladder, he went up there.
I mean he dedicated a couple ofweeks because what happened was
is he did it for a couplehouses and people were like, oh,
are you doing this, yeah, yeah.
(14:55):
And they're like, hey, could Iget you to do that?
And he's like, oh, I'd love todo it.
And so he didn't realize he hada little part-time gig during
his time off.
But those lights are still upon my trees and I love it.
They make me happy, they makeme think of how he blessed us
and it makes me want to do thesame for somebody else.
Pam McCune (15:11):
That's incredible because it was during a dark
time that he decided to light upthe neighborhood with his
gifting of what he had financesto do and what he had skillset
to do.
Jesslyn Adams (15:22):
It's fun.
His dad came to live with himfor a short period of time and
his dad started coming to churchwith us.
Wow, just surprising.
Like you never know what Godcan do.
Pam McCune (15:31):
You mentioned driving around and looking at
the lights as when he wastraditions when we've driven in
and out of our neighborhood.
I like, as we look at thelights, to pray blessings over
those family members.
Now I know for some of youyou're thinking about their dog
tore up your paper and you wouldlike to pray for God to spite
that dog.
Save that for the new year.
At Christmas, let's just prayblessings over each family that
(15:53):
God would meet them wherethey're at, get them through the
holidays and let themexperience his grace, his love,
his warmth, his light.
And as you get those Christmascards in the mail I know some of
them are Christmas novels ofevery good thing that's ever
happened to them and so takethose and put them by your table
at Christmas time for the mealand pray for one family each
(16:14):
night.
It really matters that we prayfor the people that send us
things.
I joke that we are in thecomparison game and you know it.
As you put your Christmas cardtogether and you're putting the
picture, who do you look at?
First you look at yourself, howyou look compared to the rest
of the family, and when we lookat everybody else's picture,
it's hard for us not to analyzethat family, but what if we
check ourselves and instead wedid pray blessings over each
(16:38):
family and ask God to be withthem in the parts we don't know
behind the story of what they'redealing with this Christmas and
have that sensitivity?
Prayer's the gift that keeps ongiving.
Jesslyn Adams (16:47):
On our NBS2go website.
We have three helpful resourcesfor praying for people, versus
in topics.
You can pray the Lord's Prayerfor Neighbors and a resource on
prayer walking for yourneighborhood, your child's
school event or the heart of thecity.
I need help and I need guidance, and these are some great,
helpful tools in your tool belt.
Never underestimate the powerof prayer.
(17:08):
This is where it all begins.
Also, you can give the gift ofwords at Christmas.
This doesn't have to cost youmore than a stamp Putting a
riding basket together, somecards, favorite pens, stamps and
, as God brings someone to mind,give the gift of words by
jotting a note.
Proverbs 11 (17:26):
25 says he who refreshes others will himself be
refreshed.
The gift of words is anopportunity to refresh others.
This could be a leader of agroup, maybe at your church, the
person who's over the childcare, someone you volunteer with
.
Have you noticed that leaderstypically get most of our
complaints it's too hot, thatwasn't good enough, too cold,
(17:48):
not enough music, too loud.
They get a lot of that, but notencouragement.
So what about spraying oneanother on instead, so we can
help build up God's kingdom?
Pam McCune (17:57):
I appreciate that, just.
I appreciate that Just, I dohave.
(18:32):
So she needed someencouragement.
(18:56):
That year I got the I celebrateyou card and all the way
through it there's all kinds ofbeautiful illustrations and good
words, but then there's blanksfor you to fill in your part of
why you celebrate somebody.
In that one I wrote all thedifferent ways I appreciate her
and I celebrate her.
And I'll tell you I found it inher closet later in life in her
(19:17):
treasure box of things that shewanted to hold on to.
And remember Now, my son.
The year that he let me get toknow his teachers really well
because they called me all thetime, but I needed him to know
that he wasn't special, but thathe was special.
That year I put it down in acard and I wrote all the ways
that I appreciated him Becausehe was getting a lot of negative
(19:38):
attention because he couldn'tsit still at school.
I'll just tell those ADHD boysand girls, that have to sit
there for 8 hours, it ischallenging always to be told
you're doing things wrong, andso we can come alongside our
kids, our grandkids, our niecesand nephews and tell them all
the things they're doing rightand that we appreciate about
(19:59):
them and it's something theywill treasure.
The year that I hit it out ofthe ballpark was when I sat my
husband down and I sat a timer.
I have 3 minutes and I actuallygot the book that says I
celebrate you, mom, and I toldmy husband okay, I've starred 3
pages and I want you to write 3things that you appreciate your
mom Aww, and I want you to beatthe clock.
Now he loved it because it was achallenge and so he wrote down
(20:21):
the deepest meaningful things onthose 3 pages and said he loved
and appreciated his mom.
When she opened the gift sheliked it, but when she read the
card she loved it and she cried.
It was a win-win Because shethought it was all about her,
because she loved having herson's words written down and
told that he really appreciatedand saw her for who she was and
(20:44):
all that she had done for him.
Now my husband thought it wasall about him because he had
written it and truth is, I knewit was all about me because it
was my idea Write someone thegift of words, as God shows you
somebody that might needencouragement, or that you just
have some sweet words to give tothem and that might be the gift
that keeps on giving you love,making people cry.
Jesslyn Adams (21:06):
Those were tears of joy too.
I know what your heart was.
I just had lunch with a friendand she had gone to a prison to
do an outreach with a friend.
And this friend said one thingwe like to do when we visit the
inmates is write a note ofencouragement.
She goes okay, well, who am Igoing to have?
And she's like I don't know,god will give you a word.
Just get your pen and writesomething that you think they
would want to hear from the Lord.
(21:26):
So she did it.
She showed up, she got to meethim and he's like hey, she's
like my name's Stephanie, Idon't know what I'm doing, but
handed the note, he read it andcried in front of her.
This grown man, he goes.
I never would have thought youladies would have come in here
and done this, but this I feelseen and heard, and so it just
(21:46):
made me realize how manyopportunities we have with the
power of words, and if we writeit down, like you said, we get
to stow it away.
I know some notes that I'vewritten my husband and my kids.
They've kept in little journalsor books, and I've done the
same as well.
Pam McCune (22:00):
Justine, I think, because finances can be tricky
at this season, we want to givegifts and we save and do that,
but for sometimes this can bethe magic thing giving the gift
of prayer, but also of givingthe gift of words because it
really doesn't have to cost usmore than a stamp.
We don't have to write in thebook, we can write on just a
(22:20):
card and send it off, and it'dbe powerful to someone
Especially think about those whoare experiencing a Christmas
without someone that you mightwant to write one of those
handwritten notes andacknowledge that you know
they're missing that person andthat maybe you miss them as well
.
Wanda Bencke wrote this poem.
Her daughter was 13 years old,with a handicap, and on
(22:41):
Christmas day of 1997, thedaughter had a seizure and was
in a coma for five days beforeshe passed away.
During those five days, wandawrote this point my first
Christmas in heaven.
I see the countless Christmastrees around the world below,
with tiny lights, like heavenstars reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular.
(23:03):
Please wipe away that tear, forI am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.
Jesslyn Adams (23:09):
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold
so dear, but the sounds ofmusic can't compare with the
Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you thejoy their voices bring, for it
is beyond description to hearthe angels sing.
I know how much you miss me.
I see the pain inside yourheart, but I am not so far away.
(23:30):
We really aren't apart.
Pam McCune (23:32):
So be happy for me, dear ones you know I hold you
dear and be glad I'm spendingChristmas with Jesus Christ this
year.
Jesslyn Adams (23:38):
I send you each a special gift from my heavenly
home above.
I send you each a memory of myundying love.
After all, love is the giftmore precious than pure gold.
It was always most important inthe stories Jesus told.
Pam McCune (23:54):
Please love and keep each other as my Father said to
do, for I can't count theblessings or love he has for
each of you.
So have a merry Christmas andwipe away that tear.
Remember I am spendingChristmas with Jesus Christ this
year.
Is there someone that's missinga loved one that you would like
to bless with this point to sayI see your pain, I know you
(24:15):
miss them.
We will always grieve on earth.
That may be a little bit of apicture of what they might be
experiencing in heaven, or maybeyou acknowledging the pain and
what you miss from that personas well will help them feel seen
and someone stepping in totheir pain with them.
For me, I found this point whenvery special woman who is like a
(24:37):
second mom to me her husbandhad died and I know it was a
really hard year and I wanted tosay I see your pain and I'm in
it with you.
But here is something thatmight give encouragement.
We can give the gift of wordsto people that this is really a
tough season and they're notlooking forward to Christmas at
all.
A hug from us that we care andthat they are not invisible
(25:00):
Physical gifts.
We can give the gift of prayerand we can give the gift of
words.
Most of our presents in justtime is one that you don't want
to forget.
I'm just spending time withpeople and helping them their
yard, put up their lights, putup their tree or wrap those
packages, or just watch themwrap their packages, because
some people don't want to do italone.
So if we'll just be in it withpeople, it can be a gift that
(25:23):
shows I see you, I care, and I'mseasoning my surroundings.
I'm saying Merry Christmas.
We are so excited to celebrateJesus this season.
First Corinthians 13, theChristmas version.
Jesslyn Adams (25:35):
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights andshiny balls.
But do not have love, I'm justanother decorator.
Pam McCune (25:44):
If a slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of
Christmas cookies, preparinggourmet meals and arranging a
beautifully adorned table atmealtime.
But do not have love.
I'm just another cook.
Jesslyn Adams (25:56):
If I work at a soup kitchen, carol and the
nursing home and give all that Ihave to charity but do not have
love, it profits me nothing.
Pam McCune (26:04):
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and
crocheted snowflakes.
Attend a myriad of holidayparties and sing in the choir's
cantata, but do not focus onChrist.
I have missed the point.
Jesslyn Adams (26:18):
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decoratingto kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though hairy andtired.
Love does not envy another'shome that has coordinated
Christmas china and table linens.
Love does not yell at the kidsto get out of the way, but is
thankful they are there to be inthe way.
Pam McCune (26:38):
Love does not give only to those who are able to
give in return, but rejoices ingiving to those who cannot.
Love bears all things, believesall things, hopes all things
and endures all things.
Love never fails.
Jesslyn Adams (26:53):
Toys will break, pearl necklaces will be lost,
golf clubs will rest, but givingthe gift of love will endure.
So ask God to give youopportunities to point people to
Jesus in eyes, to see thoseopportunities.
Pam McCune (27:08):
Seasoning your surroundings by pointing people
to the Messiah, to the Savior,to Jesus.
Jesslyn Adams (27:15):
A verse that I marinate on over Christmas, for
unto us a child is born, unto usa child is given, and his name
shall be called WonderfulCounselor, mighty God,
everlasting Father, prince ofPeace, we pray that this season
you do experience the peace ofChrist alone.
We have so much more to exploretogether.
So be sure to subscribe to ourpodcast, and if today is
(27:37):
inspired or encouraged you, youcan help others find us by
taking a moment to give us areview on your favorite podcast
streaming site.
Pam McCune (27:45):
And as our thanks for joining us here, we invite
you to follow us on Instagram atcalled to shine.
As part of our called to shineInstagram community, you will
get encouragement and ideas tohelp you connect to the people
around you.
Jesslyn Adams (27:59):
And, as always, you can find resources to help
you shine the light of Jesus atmbs2gocom Neighbor Bible Studies
to go.
In our next episode we willlook into coming alongside one
specific group that needs ourwarmth and light during the
holiday season the military.
Don't miss our conversationwith Beth Runkel from Crew
Military.
Pam McCune (28:18):
Thanks, for joining us today.
We are called to shine.
Hello,Jesslyn here, and Pam, welcome to the
community where we explore howJesus is our light and we are
here to spur each other on tolove God and others, right where
we live.
Jesslyn Adams (00:14):
We are called to shine.
In episode 7, we looked at howto stop and savor the Savior
throughout the Christmas season.
In episode 8, we looked at howto set apart our family time and
say yes to God by loving thepeople in our life right now
through traditions, hospitalityand table talk.
This episode, we will look athow to point people to Jesus,
(00:35):
just like the star of Bethlehempointed to the wise man to
worship the baby.
Pam McCune (00:39):
We decided to go back to the first Christmas and
see why can we glean from theoriginal Christmas to find how
we can make it memorable,meaningful and simple.
We came down to three thingsthat it centered around.
It centered around a family,and then we found out that it
centered around a message he iscoming, the Messiah is coming.
(00:59):
It centered around a baby thatwas worthy to be worshiped
because of who he was the firstChristmas.
When we read about Gabrielcoming to Mary, it started
within the sixth month.
It was the sixth month ofElizabeth's pregnancy.
Elizabeth, mary's cousin, waspregnant, which was an amazing
thing to celebrate.
(01:20):
Here's what it said In the timeof Herod, king of Judea, there
was a priest named Zachariah whobelonged to the priestly
division.
His wife, Elizabeth, was also adescendant of Aaron.
Both of them were righteous inthe sight of the Lord, observing
all the Lord's commands anddecrees blamelessly.
But they were childless becauseElizabeth was not able to
(01:42):
conceive and they were both veryold.
Once, when Zachariah's divisionwas on duty and he was serving
as priest before God, he waschosen by lot, according to the
custom of the priesthood, to gointo the temple of the Lord and
burn incense, and when the timefor the burning of the incense
came, all the assembledworshipers were praying outside.
Then an angel of the Lordappeared to him and standing at
(02:05):
the right side of the altar ofincense.
When Zachariah saw him, he wasstartled and was gripped with
fear.
Now, this is how you respondwhen you see a warrior angel you
are gripped with fear.
I don't know what was wrongwith Mary, but Zachariah had the
right response.
But the angel said Do not beafraid, Zachariah, your prayer
(02:27):
has been heard.
Are you like me?
You're praying for everythingand you're wondering.
Oh, I wonder which prayer thatwas.
I don't think so, becauseZachariah and Elizabeth the
prayer of their heart was tohave a child.
And the angel said your wifeElizabeth will bear you a son
and you were to call him John.
He will be a joy and delight toyou and many will rejoice
(02:48):
because of his birth, for hewill be great in the sight of
the Lord.
He has never to take wine orother fermented drink and he
will be filled with the HolySpirit even before he is born.
He will bring back many of thepeople of Israel to the Lord,
their God, and he will go onbefore the Lord in the spirit
and power of Elijah to turn thehearts of the parents to their
(03:10):
children and the disobedient tothe wisdom of the righteous to
make ready a people prepared forthe Lord.
Zachariah asked the angel onequestion, just like Mary
Actually it looked a lot likeMary's question.
He said how can I be sure ofthis?
I'm an old man and my wife iswell along.
In years he had much betteretiquette than Gabriel.
(03:33):
He didn't call her old, but theangel said to him I am Gabriel,
I stand in the presence of Godand I have been sent to speak to
you and to tell you this goodnews.
And now you will be silent andnot be able to speak until the
day this happens because you didnot believe my words, which
will come true at theirappointed time, even though they
were the same words.
(03:54):
There was something about theheart that Zachariah doubted
that the angel could make ithappen, maybe from his age of
being disappointed over and overagain.
Meanwhile, the people areoutside waiting for Zachariah
and wondering why he stayed solong in the temple.
Well, when he came out, hecould not speak to them.
Can you imagine what this waslike?
(04:14):
He had the best news, the bestscoop he was going to tell them
that they were going to have ababy and God had a plan for him,
and that he saw an angel and hecan't do any words.
We think this might be thefirst game of charades.
He came out, he's flapping hisarms, saying angel, and then
he's rocking a baby, trying tosay baby, and you know they're
(04:36):
thinking what is wrong with him.
Bottom line is this wasn't animmaculate conception and
Zachariah acted on what he heardand he believed because he went
and spent time with Elizabethand she came up pregnant, it
says.
When his time of service wascompleted he returned home and
after this his wife becamepregnant.
(04:57):
For five months she remained inseclusion.
Then she said the Lord has donethis for me.
How sweet is that that she wasseen by God and she was thankful
that he saw her inner desireand he said, yes, in those days
he had shown his favor and takenaway my disgrace among the
(05:19):
people.
It was a disgrace to be bearingas if she had done something
wrong and God had removed thedisgrace.
Who knows if she waited thosefive months so that she could
come out showing and all of asudden go ta-da, I'm pregnant.
But you know what, wow, howamazing this season we get to be
, just like that First seasonthat John was conceived and
(05:42):
brought about with a purpose totell people about Jesus coming.
Behold the Lamb of God whotakes away the sins of the world
, to point people to Jesus, toprepare people.
We can do that today.
It's a time that we actuallycan say Merry Christmas and
Christ.
So we can do that in a myriadof ways Loving them where
they're at and to be the light,help them to come meet the
(06:04):
Christ child.
For me, it can be sharing withpeople my excitement about why I
love this season so much.
I love giving gifts, so one ofthe things I like to do is put a
basket by my door so whoevercomes, they're going to get a
treat.
Maybe it's some lotions, maybeit's a candy cane, because I can
put the story of what the candycane was meant.
You know those biblical candycanes, the red and white ones.
(06:26):
You that are using thosedifferent colors.
Those are not biblical candycanes.
The person that made the candycane had a reason that the white
symbolized Jesus' purity andperfection and why he could pay
the penalty for us, and the redmeans his blood that had to be
spilled to actually take ourpayment so that we could be in a
relationship with God, and heintertwined them together in the
(06:47):
shape of a J for Jesus or ashepherds hook, because he's the
great shepherd.
So I like printing off thatstory of the original candy cane
means and tying it to a candycane.
I have no idea If kids come,they can take one and has a
meaning.
The story that comes can have aspecial gift.
But I don't just like to givethose gifts to whoever comes to
my door the Christmas season.
(07:09):
I like these six-inch spikenails that are a replicate the
original Roman nail that wereused to attach Jesus on the
cross.
There's a tradition that youput this nail on your tree first
because it represents the firstChrist tree who decorated it
with his life.
For my kids we hide it deepinside and we make it a game of
(07:29):
can you find it?
Can you find it?
But we know it's the firstornament that goes on our tree.
When Mr.
Terminix came to spray my housein December because that's what
we do in Texas, we have bugs Iran out and said oh, merry
Christmas, I forgot to give youyour gift.
And I handed him his six-inchspike nail and I said, oh, I
hope you don't already have one.
And he said I assure you, noone's ever given me a six-inch
(07:51):
spike nail.
But he looked down and he readthe card on it and he looked
back up and he said thank youfor reminding me what we're
celebrating.
This means a lot to me.
We also have two-inch spikenails to remember Christ.
Why he was born was to come toactually die for us so that we
can be in relationship with God.
As long as I'm giving a gift, Iwould love for it to point
(08:12):
people to Jesus.
Let's be honest.
We have a lot of gifts to buyfrom teachers to friends that we
might not have a lot of moneyto give, but if we can give it a
spiritually significant, thatreally helps point to Jesus as
well.
Jesslyn Adams (08:26):
Don't forget those people who come to your
door daily this season you knowdelivery drivers and postal
workers.
Go ahead and put a basket bythe door, add some water bottles
and treats in it.
Ready to go.
Maybe a little thank you notethat says we appreciate you.
This season, merry Christmas.
In our show notes we will havelinks to these thank you note
designs so that you can downloadand print yourself.
Pam McCune (08:48):
The link that you can download them.
There's five different options,depending on if you want a
serious, pretty or comical onethat you can download that says
thank you so much for deliveringus our goodies.
Please take one.
We appreciate you and MerryChristmas.
I go ahead and laminate it, butyou don't have to, you can just
print it off.
(09:08):
They see it.
Most of them know by now that alot of us do this, and so they
know.
Okay, I'm supposed to take oneof these.
That's why she has the basketwhere I drop off all of her
packages.
This is a crazy job to have thistime of year because I think I
keep them in business by just me, or at least my husband thinks
I keep them in business.
But all the times I click ordernow and I like having things
(09:29):
delivered to my house, why wouldI want to go in the store?
They're crazy.
This time of year.
All of you people out thereseem to be hurried and cranky.
I wouldn't much rather sit inmy house and push order and let
Mr Driver come to my house andjust give him an added blessing.
Jesslyn Adams (09:46):
Those Amazon drivers.
They really need our love andappreciation.
They're working overtime, soit's a good idea to remember
them.
Pam, I've seen the power ofgift giving.
In fact, today my friendJeremiah played pickleball with
him.
Every Tuesday they become alittle family and I remember I
had just been there a couplemonths and I thought Valentine's
(10:07):
Day is coming up.
I would love to bless them andlet me just tell you, everybody
wants a pickleball ball becausethere's a certain ball you need
to use.
So I thought I'll give somecandy, put a pickleball in a bag
and we'll see what God does.
And today, several months later, jeremiah said Jaisalyn, I
remember when you brought thoseballs and you gave it to all of
us, I went home and told my wifeabout that.
(10:29):
That had such an impact andmade me realize the people that
I play pickleball with.
They're special and you're likefamily to me.
I'm here for you and you'rehere for me.
Pam McCune (10:37):
Now Jesslyn, is gift giving, your love language.
How do you feel about buyinggifts this Christmas?
Jesslyn Adams (10:43):
I do love giving gifts.
It's probably right thereafterwards of affirmation.
With Christmas coming up, Iwould love to bless everybody
with tons of gifts, but Itypically just set a small
budget and think about the keypeople that I see in certain
businesses.
In fact, over Thanksgiving weekI realized the girl that cuts
my boy's hair.
I would love to bring hersomething special, and so I was
(11:04):
at my favorite bakery and Ithought I'm gonna buy some
scones for her and her ladiesthat work there and it meant so
much to her.
And so I'm thinking who arethose people that I see on a
regular basis that I can getgifts for, and it doesn't have
to be much?
I mean, a lot of times I go getsome peppermint Ghirardelli
chocolates and a little notesand people just love the thought
.
I think it's the thought thatcounts.
Pam McCune (11:25):
I think you think well, because you have given me
two really special gifts overthe last year that you thought
through what I would reallyappreciate.
You sent them to me, from myTexas Tac insulated cup to Mama
Holmes candle and it wasdefinitely a blessing.
So, be it peppermint chocolate,or you go ahead and spend the
(11:46):
big budget all of us can thinkthrough.
Who can we bless and give themthose gifts we can give Pam.
Jesslyn Adams (11:53):
I also like the idea of gift, of service.
Some of the most memorableChristmases that I can remember
are actually when we took partin trying to bless somebody else
over the season.
There were a couple differentoccasions that our Bible study,
the families.
We all chipped in to helpdonate to a family that was in
need for Christmas and we tookthe kids with us to go shopping.
(12:14):
We got their wish list and itwas so different and it was like
the first time our kids reallyunderstood okay, like some
people don't have all thepresents that I get on Christmas
morning or the idea of I'mgetting this gift for somebody
else, and so whenever we tookthe gifts, they were wrapped, we
brought a meal.
It blessed me more than I everrealized.
I'm not sure if my kidsremember all of it, but just the
(12:36):
idea of helping somebody outover the Christmas season gave
us a whole new perspective andgratitude.
This year, our small group infact, is partnering with the
local church and maybe thatmight be something going on in
your area.
I guarantee many towns haveways whether to volunteer at the
food bank as a family or todistribute a Christmas meal.
This year we're actually goingto be helping a family that goes
(12:56):
to a church.
They need host families to helpand greet people that show up
to go through a line to get topick out Christmas gifts and
enjoy a meal together.
I'm so excited that we'reputting that in our calendar.
I think this is probably goingto be the event that we remember
, along with Christberg.
Pam McCune (13:12):
I think you're right and I think it says a lot.
Just that your heart right, andit speaks much to your kids as
well to say what do we reallyvalue?
We value service and being thehands and feet of God, of loving
others with our time, ourenergy and maybe our money as
well.
It could be official or itcould be we look around and just
(13:32):
see who God's put in our path.
Is there a single mom thatwould very much appreciate
getting to go wrap her kidsgifts without her kids sneaking
in?
Or maybe you'd want to take herkids to go pick out a gift from
the dollar store that is asurprise, for once their mom's
going to get a gift that shedidn't know about.
Or if a single mom or an elderlyhaving trouble putting up the
(13:55):
tree or taking down their treeor wrapping gifts, there's a lot
of things that can take manyhands that we can lean into and
see what the needs are around usthat we could help.
And yes, they're probably notgoing to ask for help.
We're probably going to have topush ourselves in and say, hey,
I'm coming over to help, let meknow just what time, otherwise
I'm just coming in.
Jesslyn Adams (14:13):
So during the pandemic we all know that our
emotional well-being was at anall-time low you needed things
to be excited about Decoratingyour house.
I mean, if you notice,everybody's decorations for
every holiday now have gone upexponentially after COVID.
So our sweet neighbor he is aflight attendant and he was
obviously not working during theheight of the pandemic and so
(14:34):
he literally went and did fouror five homes, bought the lights
and strung things around ourtrees, just put up several
things for people.
I've never seen anything likethat.
I couldn't believe it.
He bought the lights, he got hisladder, he went up there.
I mean he dedicated a couple ofweeks because what happened was
is he did it for a couplehouses and people were like, oh,
are you doing this, yeah, yeah.
(14:55):
And they're like, hey, could Iget you to do that?
And he's like, oh, I'd love todo it.
And so he didn't realize he hada little part-time gig during
his time off.
But those lights are still upon my trees and I love it.
They make me happy, they makeme think of how he blessed us
and it makes me want to do thesame for somebody else.
Pam McCune (15:11):
That's incredible because it was during a dark
time that he decided to light upthe neighborhood with his
gifting of what he had financesto do and what he had skillset
to do.
Jesslyn Adams (15:22):
It's fun.
His dad came to live with himfor a short period of time and
his dad started coming to churchwith us.
Wow, just surprising.
Like you never know what Godcan do.
Pam McCune (15:31):
You mentioned driving around and looking at
the lights as when he wastraditions when we've driven in
and out of our neighborhood.
I like, as we look at thelights, to pray blessings over
those family members.
Now I know for some of youyou're thinking about their dog
tore up your paper and you wouldlike to pray for God to spite
that dog.
Save that for the new year.
At Christmas, let's just prayblessings over each family that
(15:53):
God would meet them wherethey're at, get them through the
holidays and let themexperience his grace, his love,
his warmth, his light.
And as you get those Christmascards in the mail I know some of
them are Christmas novels ofevery good thing that's ever
happened to them and so takethose and put them by your table
at Christmas time for the mealand pray for one family each
(16:14):
night.
It really matters that we prayfor the people that send us
things.
I joke that we are in thecomparison game and you know it.
As you put your Christmas cardtogether and you're putting the
picture, who do you look at?
First you look at yourself, howyou look compared to the rest
of the family, and when we lookat everybody else's picture,
it's hard for us not to analyzethat family, but what if we
check ourselves and instead wedid pray blessings over each
(16:38):
family and ask God to be withthem in the parts we don't know
behind the story of what they'redealing with this Christmas and
have that sensitivity?
Prayer's the gift that keeps ongiving.
Jesslyn Adams (16:47):
On our NBS2go website.
We have three helpful resourcesfor praying for people, versus
in topics.
You can pray the Lord's Prayerfor Neighbors and a resource on
prayer walking for yourneighborhood, your child's
school event or the heart of thecity.
I need help and I need guidance, and these are some great,
helpful tools in your tool belt.
Never underestimate the powerof prayer.
(17:08):
This is where it all begins.
Also, you can give the gift ofwords at Christmas.
This doesn't have to cost youmore than a stamp Putting a
riding basket together, somecards, favorite pens, stamps and
, as God brings someone to mind,give the gift of words by
jotting a note.
Proverbs 11 (17:26):
25 says he who refreshes others will himself be
refreshed.
The gift of words is anopportunity to refresh others.
This could be a leader of agroup, maybe at your church, the
person who's over the childcare, someone you volunteer with
.
Have you noticed that leaderstypically get most of our
complaints it's too hot, thatwasn't good enough, too cold,
(17:48):
not enough music, too loud.
They get a lot of that, but notencouragement.
So what about spraying oneanother on instead, so we can
help build up God's kingdom?
Pam McCune (17:57):
I appreciate that, just.
I appreciate that Just, I dohave.
(18:32):
So she needed someencouragement.
(18:56):
That year I got the I celebrateyou card and all the way
through it there's all kinds ofbeautiful illustrations and good
words, but then there's blanksfor you to fill in your part of
why you celebrate somebody.
In that one I wrote all thedifferent ways I appreciate her
and I celebrate her.
And I'll tell you I found it inher closet later in life in her
(19:17):
treasure box of things that shewanted to hold on to.
And remember Now, my son.
The year that he let me get toknow his teachers really well
because they called me all thetime, but I needed him to know
that he wasn't special, but thathe was special.
That year I put it down in acard and I wrote all the ways
that I appreciated him Becausehe was getting a lot of negative
(19:38):
attention because he couldn'tsit still at school.
I'll just tell those ADHD boysand girls, that have to sit
there for 8 hours, it ischallenging always to be told
you're doing things wrong, andso we can come alongside our
kids, our grandkids, our niecesand nephews and tell them all
the things they're doing rightand that we appreciate about
(19:59):
them and it's something theywill treasure.
The year that I hit it out ofthe ballpark was when I sat my
husband down and I sat a timer.
I have 3 minutes and I actuallygot the book that says I
celebrate you, mom, and I toldmy husband okay, I've starred 3
pages and I want you to write 3things that you appreciate your
mom Aww, and I want you to beatthe clock.
Now he loved it because it was achallenge and so he wrote down
(20:21):
the deepest meaningful things onthose 3 pages and said he loved
and appreciated his mom.
When she opened the gift sheliked it, but when she read the
card she loved it and she cried.
It was a win-win Because shethought it was all about her,
because she loved having herson's words written down and
told that he really appreciatedand saw her for who she was and
(20:44):
all that she had done for him.
Now my husband thought it wasall about him because he had
written it and truth is, I knewit was all about me because it
was my idea Write someone thegift of words, as God shows you
somebody that might needencouragement, or that you just
have some sweet words to give tothem and that might be the gift
that keeps on giving you love,making people cry.
Jesslyn Adams (21:06):
Those were tears of joy too.
I know what your heart was.
I just had lunch with a friendand she had gone to a prison to
do an outreach with a friend.
And this friend said one thingwe like to do when we visit the
inmates is write a note ofencouragement.
She goes okay, well, who am Igoing to have?
And she's like I don't know,god will give you a word.
Just get your pen and writesomething that you think they
would want to hear from the Lord.
(21:26):
So she did it.
She showed up, she got to meethim and he's like hey, she's
like my name's Stephanie, Idon't know what I'm doing, but
handed the note, he read it andcried in front of her.
This grown man, he goes.
I never would have thought youladies would have come in here
and done this, but this I feelseen and heard, and so it just
(21:46):
made me realize how manyopportunities we have with the
power of words, and if we writeit down, like you said, we get
to stow it away.
I know some notes that I'vewritten my husband and my kids.
They've kept in little journalsor books, and I've done the
same as well.
Pam McCune (22:00):
Justine, I think, because finances can be tricky
at this season, we want to givegifts and we save and do that,
but for sometimes this can bethe magic thing giving the gift
of prayer, but also of givingthe gift of words because it
really doesn't have to cost usmore than a stamp.
We don't have to write in thebook, we can write on just a
(22:20):
card and send it off, and it'dbe powerful to someone
Especially think about those whoare experiencing a Christmas
without someone that you mightwant to write one of those
handwritten notes andacknowledge that you know
they're missing that person andthat maybe you miss them as well
.
Wanda Bencke wrote this poem.
Her daughter was 13 years old,with a handicap, and on
(22:41):
Christmas day of 1997, thedaughter had a seizure and was
in a coma for five days beforeshe passed away.
During those five days, wandawrote this point my first
Christmas in heaven.
I see the countless Christmastrees around the world below,
with tiny lights, like heavenstars reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular.
(23:03):
Please wipe away that tear, forI am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.
Jesslyn Adams (23:09):
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold
so dear, but the sounds ofmusic can't compare with the
Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you thejoy their voices bring, for it
is beyond description to hearthe angels sing.
I know how much you miss me.
I see the pain inside yourheart, but I am not so far away.
(23:30):
We really aren't apart.
Pam McCune (23:32):
So be happy for me, dear ones you know I hold you
dear and be glad I'm spendingChristmas with Jesus Christ this
year.
Jesslyn Adams (23:38):
I send you each a special gift from my heavenly
home above.
I send you each a memory of myundying love.
After all, love is the giftmore precious than pure gold.
It was always most important inthe stories Jesus told.
Pam McCune (23:54):
Please love and keep each other as my Father said to
do, for I can't count theblessings or love he has for
each of you.
So have a merry Christmas andwipe away that tear.
Remember I am spendingChristmas with Jesus Christ this
year.
Is there someone that's missinga loved one that you would like
to bless with this point to sayI see your pain, I know you
(24:15):
miss them.
We will always grieve on earth.
That may be a little bit of apicture of what they might be
experiencing in heaven, or maybeyou acknowledging the pain and
what you miss from that personas well will help them feel seen
and someone stepping in totheir pain with them.
For me, I found this point whenvery special woman who is like a
(24:37):
second mom to me her husbandhad died and I know it was a
really hard year and I wanted tosay I see your pain and I'm in
it with you.
But here is something thatmight give encouragement.
We can give the gift of wordsto people that this is really a
tough season and they're notlooking forward to Christmas at
all.
A hug from us that we care andthat they are not invisible
(25:00):
Physical gifts.
We can give the gift of prayerand we can give the gift of
words.
Most of our presents in justtime is one that you don't want
to forget.
I'm just spending time withpeople and helping them their
yard, put up their lights, putup their tree or wrap those
packages, or just watch themwrap their packages, because
some people don't want to do italone.
So if we'll just be in it withpeople, it can be a gift that
(25:23):
shows I see you, I care, and I'mseasoning my surroundings.
I'm saying Merry Christmas.
We are so excited to celebrateJesus this season.
First Corinthians 13, theChristmas version.
Jesslyn Adams (25:35):
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights andshiny balls.
But do not have love, I'm justanother decorator.
Pam McCune (25:44):
If a slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of
Christmas cookies, preparinggourmet meals and arranging a
beautifully adorned table atmealtime.
But do not have love.
I'm just another cook.
Jesslyn Adams (25:56):
If I work at a soup kitchen, carol and the
nursing home and give all that Ihave to charity but do not have
love, it profits me nothing.
Pam McCune (26:04):
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and
crocheted snowflakes.
Attend a myriad of holidayparties and sing in the choir's
cantata, but do not focus onChrist.
I have missed the point.
Jesslyn Adams (26:18):
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decoratingto kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though hairy andtired.
Love does not envy another'shome that has coordinated
Christmas china and table linens.
Love does not yell at the kidsto get out of the way, but is
thankful they are there to be inthe way.
Pam McCune (26:38):
Love does not give only to those who are able to
give in return, but rejoices ingiving to those who cannot.
Love bears all things, believesall things, hopes all things
and endures all things.
Love never fails.
Jesslyn Adams (26:53):
Toys will break, pearl necklaces will be lost,
golf clubs will rest, but givingthe gift of love will endure.
So ask God to give youopportunities to point people to
Jesus in eyes, to see thoseopportunities.
Pam McCune (27:08):
Seasoning your surroundings by pointing people
to the Messiah, to the Savior,to Jesus.
Jesslyn Adams (27:15):
A verse that I marinate on over Christmas, for
unto us a child is born, unto usa child is given, and his name
shall be called WonderfulCounselor, mighty God,
everlasting Father, prince ofPeace, we pray that this season
you do experience the peace ofChrist alone.
We have so much more to exploretogether.
So be sure to subscribe to ourpodcast, and if today is
(27:37):
inspired or encouraged you, youcan help others find us by
taking a moment to give us areview on your favorite podcast
streaming site.
Pam McCune (27:45):
And as our thanks for joining us here, we invite
you to follow us on Instagram atcalled to shine.
As part of our called to shineInstagram community, you will
get encouragement and ideas tohelp you connect to the people
around you.
Jesslyn Adams (27:59):
And, as always, you can find resources to help
you shine the light of Jesus atmbs2gocom Neighbor Bible Studies
to go.
In our next episode we willlook into coming alongside one
specific group that needs ourwarmth and light during the
holiday season the military.
Don't miss our conversationwith Beth Runkel from Crew
Military.
Pam McCune (28:18):
Thanks, for joining us today.
We are called to shine.
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