I Hate ChristmasSample

Kindness

There is a distinction between being nice and being kind. During Christmastime, people often show niceness towards each other. We exchange warm greetings like "Merry Christmas!" and wish happiness upon one another. However, the birth of Jesus isn't solely about us being nice to each other; it's about the kindness of God becoming evident in the world. As we receive His kindness, we learn how to extend it to others.

Kindness begins with looking beneath the surface to discover what truly matters. An illustration of this can be found in the story of the Wise Men in the Christmas narrative. The Wise Men observed a star in the East and embarked on a significant journey to locate the newborn king.

Initially, they visited King Herod in Jerusalem, as a king would typically be born in the capital city. King Herod, however, was troubled by their visit and, in an act of deception, requested that the Wise Men inform him about the new king's location so he could also pay his respects. In secret, though, he planned to harm the newborn king.

When the Wise Men eventually found Jesus, they humbly worshiped Him and presented Him with gifts. They were filled with joy that the star had guided them to Jesus, and they comprehended the significance of His birth. In their most significant act of kindness, they chose not to report their findings to King Herod.

The Wise Men could have gained favor with King Herod by reporting back, but they understood that what was right mattered more than personal gain. They were aware that ignoring the king would incur his wrath, yet they prioritized doing what was best over trying to please him.

Being nice often entails seeking to please others and may lack genuine selflessness. It usually arises from a desire to make others happy and gain their approval. Being kind means attempting to see things from God's perspective and acting in a manner that reflects His love. Kindness is a virtue that mirrors the selflessness and love of Jesus.

Reflection/Prayer

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, how can we project His kindness to the world around us? Spend some time in prayer and ask God how you can show true kindness to those around you.