CHRISTmas: The Reason for the Season!

Luke 6:38 says "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you".

Ahh, the word, giving! So many examples we have to refer to. Perhaps, it was in the book of Ruth, where Boaz gave immensely and made provision for one of the field hands, Ruth without measure. Then there was the story of Paul in the book of First Corinthians, (chapt. 9) where he left his past as a Pharisee and his rights as an apostle. He laid both aside because they often got in the way of his leading the Gentiles. Or we can always look at the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God gave His only Son to cover our sins. This event will forever be looked upon as the most giving, sacrificial act of kindness one could imagine. With all these examples, how is it that the meaning of Christmas has changed so much? The commercialization of such a sacred time, has changed the way we celebrate the birth of Christ. Retail sales, commercials, media activity and other trends would have us to believe we are making purchases at great times, for great prices, for a great season. Yet, Jesus is the real reason for the Season! It all started with Him.

Jesus was born in a manger to a virgin mother and the celebration was of His coming, not of the gifts that were presented. As we quickly approach our next Christmas holiday, keep in mind where the concept came from and the true meaning of CHRISTmas. Enjoy what the birth of our Savior has meant to us collectively and as an individual; Remember the giving sacrifice that was made on his behalf; and ask Him in prayer, what and who he would have us give to this Season.

Let's get back to the reason for the Season. Let's regain focus and be elated to give as those before us.

Happy Holidays!!!

Leaders Go FIRST!

As kids, teachers always had small jobs and task for their students to voluntarily perform. There was the board eraser, name taker, errand person and most popular, probably was the line leader. The line leader had the distinct privilege of standing and walking ahead of everyone else and being the first person to enter the hallway, cafeteria, library and other outside classroom excursions. Well, as these students aged and moved into adulthood, some possibly have carried the "line leader" leadership role into their adult lives. While tasks began smaller and more concise, as adults those leadership roles have increased and became multidimensional in duty and responsibility. What do adults eagerly "stand in line" to do or perform?
Leaders display many good qualities and can easily be detected by their behavior and role in society. But one thing has not changed....Leaders still go FIRST!
Leaders, actually have become givers at the adult stage, who give their time, talents and presence for the sake of other larger causes. So now, they are more than leaders, but givers as well.
As we read about various Biblical activity, we find the same principles to be true.
They are as follows:
*Leaders (givers) go FIRST!
*Leader (givers) receive a return.
*The return may not be immediate.
*Giving does not keep us from misfortune(risk involved).
*If you do not give, one cannot expect a return.
*The return will be "in proportion to" your giving.
*The motive for giving is love for God.
Being a leader, causes one to offer, support and give in many ways. Leading in many ways, does not come without sacrifice regardless, as to if we are leading ourselves or others. Philippians 2:2-11, shares with us, how Jesus Christ was the ultimate example of servant leadership. He made the ultimate sacrifice to take on the lower form of the creation, being human while he was empowered with the benefits of His Superior Father. In the book of Ruth, Boaz (the leader) did not keep score of all he gave for Ruth, but just kept giving for her benefit. We can't lead without giving (and in Boaz's case, love).
If you or someone you know is a leader, understand they have chosen to "lead a line", rather than trail it. There are sacrifices, work and giving often required. We have many great examples and now, understand what is happening when Leaders go FIRST!

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Romans 12:13 says, “…distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality”. Great Women of God Abroad (GWGA) is a national association created to serve the needs of female Christian leaders through modern social media techniques, resources and true hospitality, as they serve and minister for the Kingdom of God.

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