This Month’s Theme:
Preparing for the King’s Return
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Matthew 25:34-40
Reflection
Christmas has always been a highly anticipated event for many parts of the world. However, with all the terrible events and bad news, it’s hard for people to find joy and hope in this season.
As Christians, may we seize this opportunity to go the extra mile in fervently encouraging, caring for, and helping one another, knowing that Christmas is all about anticipating the coming of Jesus, who embodies love and lasting peace. May we always cling on to the hope that we have a great inheritance prepared for us in heaven by the King of Kings (Matthew 25:34).
– Jarah Javier Mata
Join in the Conversation
If Christmas is about letting “every heart prepare Him room”, what can we do right now to ready ourselves for Jesus’s final coming?
If we don’t know where to begin, we can hear from Jesus Himself describing what to expect when He comes: He will call out those who have faithfully anticipated His coming, and what characterises their faithfulness is this—they’ve welcomed the least of His brothers and sisters, our fellow Christians in need (Matthew 25:34-36, 40).
If we truly want this season to be about Jesus, beyond all the gathering and singing and reflecting we’ll be doing, Jesus calls us to look to those in the margins and carry our light and love there. Like having a cup of coffee with someone who needs a listening ear, visiting someone who’s sick and lives alone, or inviting someone new in town to your home for a very simple dinner.
It is by carrying out these acts of love that ultimately bring our hearts closer to Him, and so prepare us to fully receive His glorious inheritance.
Reflect
- What are some habits or practices that help you experience more of Jesus’s presence?
- What are some ways you can prepare and “make room” for Jesus?
- Is there someone in your life right now who really needs Jesus? How do you think you can pray for and minister to this person?
Topics to Explore
- What I’ve “inherited” from my parents/teachers/elders, good & bad (& how to exchange the bad things for God’s good inheritance)
- Why I’m ready (or not ready) for Jesus to come again
- The last time I sensed Jesus’s presence/encountered Jesus was when / because of ___
- The time I stepped out of my comfort zone to help someone and it paid off (or it didn’t pay off), and how God encouraged me
- How I’m learning to look out for those in need without neglecting my own needs
- How my Christmas celebrations have changed as I’ve gotten older
- What I’m grateful for as I look back on the past year
- What I’m hopeful for as I look to the coming year
Need encouragement? Here are a few articles to help you reflect:
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