The Healing Hand Of God

We all have visions of what Christmas should be like. For some it is coming downstairs on Christmas morning to see presents under the tree. For others it might be a night out with friends, a glass of wine around a comfy fire, laughing and telling stories. There are however, other stories of Christmas that are NOT so warm and fuzzy.

A man sits alone in his room, staring out the window. His mind is filled with thoughts of his wife who passed away a year ago - his first Christmas without her in 60 years. A young adult woman . . . still a child in so many ways . . . spends Christmas Eve on a friend's couch. There is no room for her in the house she used to call a home.

For many, Christmas brings nothing but bad news. It shouldn't be that way. And it doesn't have to be. There is healing available to anyone willing to take a chance. Or as the Bible invites in Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him."

Is there someone in your life who will be alone this Christmas? Is it you? Might it be someone at work or at school? I have a few people like that in my life. I'm not asking you to invite them into your home necessarily but I am suggesting you invite them into your heart.

There is One who can heal ALL wounds. His name is Jesus. He came into this world on a mission. Her came to serve others. He came to live His life as an example for us to follow and He lived his life . . . to die.

Have you died lately?

That's not a stupid question when you realize where it came from.

"20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20

"23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." - Luke 9:23

"24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." - Galatians 5:24

The lives we live in this world are NOT to be about ourselves, our ambitions or our goals. Our lives are to be lived for others. Our lives are to be lived for God. We should be asking ourselves, what are we doing for others this Christmas? How can we reach out to someone? Who can we extend a helping hand to? How can we be "Jesus" to someone this Christmas?

God uses US to pour into the lives of others. Are we willing? Are we able?

Look at those verses once again.

As Christians, it is no longer US who lives, but CHRIST who lives IN us. Have we denied ourselves? We belong to Christ Jesus! Celebration of His day of birth should be a year-round thing. May He be born again in us this Christmas season . . . and every day of the year.

The Healing Hand of God - Jeremy Camp