The Gift: How to Keep Christmas Happy | Sailing into Heaven
Dec 19, 2024
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Explore the joy of giving during the holiday season, illustrated by humorous gift-giving stories. Dive into the true gift of Christmas: the spiritual joy of eternal life and the fulfillment that comes from helping others. Discover the science behind the ‘helper's high’ and the positive emotions linked to altruism. Navigate grief with hope and community support, and renew your relationship with God while embracing the message of faith. It's all about sharing blessings at Christmas and beyond!
The greatest gift of eternal life, offered through Jesus Christ, provides believers with profound joy and the ability to share hope with others.
Embracing the Christmas spirit through acts of kindness fosters community connection and personal happiness, emphasizing the joy of giving over receiving.
Deep dives
The Gift of Eternal Life
The most profound gift offered to individuals is the gift of eternal life, which is central to the Christian faith. This gift is not something that can be found under a Christmas tree or purchased with money, but resides in the hearts of believers. Romans 6:23 emphasizes that eternal life is a gift from God through Jesus Christ, highlighting its significance as the greatest blessing one can receive. Embracing this gift brings not only personal joy but also an opportunity to share it with others, thereby spreading hope and love during the holiday season.
Finding Joy Through Giving
To truly embrace the joy of Christmas, one must understand the biblical principle that it is more blessed to give than to receive. This principle encourages a mindset shift, where happiness is derived from serving and helping others rather than seeking personal fulfillment. Engaging in acts of kindness and generosity can lead to what is referred to as the 'helper's high,' a physiological response that enhances mood and overall well-being. Implementing simple actions to assist those in greater need promotes not only personal joy but fosters a sense of community and connection.
Navigating Holiday Challenges
For many, the holiday season can be a difficult time often marked by feelings of sadness or loneliness, due to various life circumstances. Understanding that joy comes from Christ rather than external gifts or festivities is crucial in overcoming these feelings. The message emphasizes that while external situations may not change, one can find true contentment through a relationship with God, as He provides unwavering support. For those feeling burdened, taking proactive steps, such as helping others and seeking a spiritual connection, can transform their experience during the holidays.
Imagine giving a lavish gift to your loved ones this Christmas. Let’s say a luxurious cruise in some faraway corner of the world. Unbelievable beauty, no stress, no payment due at the end of it all. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the gift that literally helps us sail into heaven. Unbelievable beauty, no stress, no payment due. It’s a gift we can receive and it’s a gift we can share with others any time of the year.
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A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.