It was a snowy December day when I found myself walking in a very slippery Fred Meyer parking lot. As I approached my car, I saw a couple who looked to be in their 80’s or 90’s. The husband was trying to push the cart through the snow and help his wife who was very frail. Watching them made me think of my grandparents who I missed deeply. Quickly, I walked to them extending my arm to the woman to help her keep her balance.
When we reached their car she hugged me, and for a moment, it felt like my grandma had given me a hug. While her husband put the bags in the trunk I helped her into the car and I told her that the hug she had given me blessed me because I missed my grandma. She took my hand, looked into my eyes and said, “You are my angel and God sent you to me today.” I wished them a “Merry Christmas”, closed the car door, and returned the shopping cart with teary eyes and a heart filled with joy.
In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, don’t forget that you are a witness for Christ. Chances are you have heard someone say that Christ is being taken out of Christmas. As a teen, you have the ability to put Jesus back “into the season” with your actions. Never think because you are young that you can’t make a difference…Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
1. If you go to a Christmas dance: Be a light for others through your actions. Dance in a way that shows respect for yourself. Others are watching you. Never be ashamed to be the girl on the dance floor that dances to the beat of her own drum not what her peers find acceptable.
2. If you find yourself at a party: Don’t give into peer pressure. God has called you to a life that honors Him. Isn’t it better to stand with God and be judged by your peers than to stand with your peers and be judged by God?
3. Secret Santa is a wonderful way to put Jesus back in the season. A simple note like this is a great way to share the love of Jesus:Merry Christmas from your secret Santa, I hope you enjoy this little gift. I know it may not be much but with it comes a prayer. I am praying that you are blessed in a special way today.
4. At the store: In the Christmas rush many people are quick to snap at one another while shopping. You are never too young to make a difference.
Let your smile shine brightly to others. You may never know how much a smile can soften someone’s heart.
If you see someone in line with a couple of things, let them step in front of you and tell them to have a
Merry Christmas.
If you see a mom with young kids or an elderly person returning their cart, tell them you will return it and to have a Merry Christmas.
Remember the couple I told you about earlier? When you show kindness to others, God pours His blessing back out on you.
Have grace. Store clerks are working long hours and are often treated poorly by shoppers. Taking a moment to ask them how they are doing, telling them thank you, or simply saying “have a blessed day” can bless them in a huge way.
Your actions can help keep Jesus in the season. God has called you to be His light and there is no minimum age requirement when it comes to sharing the love of Jesus. I challenge you to step out and be His hands and feet not just during the holidays but every day of the year.
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