It’s safe to say that most of us have eaten too much over the last week and over-indulged a little. I don’t know about you, but I’m going to cut back a little before the pounds begin to show. Christmas puts us together with relatives and old friends and we like to share lots of food, pies and chocolates that we don’t normally eat. In the Bible, early Christians liked to do that too, although Christmas wasn’t celebrated then. “They were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart” (Acts 2:46).

It’s interesting how we try to get together at Christmas with people we don’t see much the rest of the year. Uncles and aunts turn up and we send cards to people we haven’t seen in years. Even though we don’t get along with a person or two, we still attempt to be friendly and check on them. Again, this was a habit of the Christians we read about in the Bible. “But encourage one another day after day” (Heb.3:13).

My grandmother used to enjoy making Christmas ornaments out of colourful beads. They were usually bell-shaped; she was quite good at it. One day she gave us about half a dozen of them for our tree and we still put them up every Christmas. It’s our way of remembering her. Most of her descendants have a few. Christians, likewise, remember each other. “Remember those who fed you, who spoke the word of God to you, and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith” (Heb.13:7).

There’s a lot of love going around during the holidays. We overlook people’s flaws and extend a bit of affection. It’s good for us, and good for those we care about. Even a few black sheep in the family get a pat on the head. New Testament Christians were well known for their care. “For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus” (Phil.1:8).

Here’s my point. All the good things we do at Christmas don’t have to stop the rest of the year. In Christ, we practice kindness, love, encouragement, meals together, and even thoughts of those who have left this life for the next. We practice many of these good things every Sunday and every Wednesday night. That’s why I’ve included the above scriptures.

We are not only blessed this time of year; we are blessed all year. It’s great to be part of the church.

– Tim Johnson