Christmas: Should Love, Joy and Peace Be Openly Expressed to Others During the Holiday Season?

What is the best gift you can give to others?  An open expression of love, joy and peace is probably the best gift that you can convey to others during the holiday season. The birth of the Christ child brings that message to us. Passing it on to others reveals its reality to them.

Note this prophecy from the Old Testament. 

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

True believers welcome open expressions of love, joy and peace. Even pseudo-believers or those who claim to be Christian, but do not really believe in the basic teachings of Christianity, will respond to love, joy and peace in a positive way. Unbelievers, members of other faiths, religions or cultures will see the love, joy and peace that you express during the holiday season and realize that there is something real about the Christmas message. You may have an opportunity to share the Christmas message with them.

How can you express love, joy and peace to others appropriately, during the holiday season?

Regardless of who you are or where you live, there are others around you who probably do not know or understand the basic teachings of Christianity, the circumstances of the birth of Jesus or the implications and significance of his life, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension as revealed in the New Testament.

Greeting people warmly and welcoming them into your home during Christmas and New Years, is one way to have an opportunity to talk to them in an environment where they can feel safe and comfortable. When you extend an open door to them, they will sense that there is something special happening in your heart, at your hearth and in your home. They may have questions about the meaning of Christmas, but perhaps they are afraid to ask anyone. Take the time to answer these questions for them.

Love, joy and peace can convey healing, health and wholeness to others. Happiness expressed in a sense of family and community, as well as in the global expression of love, joy and peace is contagious. In other words, it spreads.

While there are others in different parts of the community and country, as well as around the world, who are suffering for various reasons including war and natural disasters, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, etc. and stand in need because of homelessness, poverty and famine, your outward expression of love, joy and peace, can help them to restore their lives. Even though you may not be able to help everyone in the world, you can pray for people everywhere. You may also be able to help one person, a couple or a family in your area. When you address the needs of children, their parents will often respond with love, joy and peace, too. 

Focusing on and openly addressing the positive, rather than the negative aspects of Christmas, will touch and change the lives of others, as well as increase your own love, joy and peace during the holiday season.