So you’re getting ready to celebrate Christmas. Of course, there are two reasons to celebrate: the Santa, reindeer, baubles, tinsel and turkey reason, or the original and the best – the coming of the Saviour of the world.

Now there’s nothing wrong with celebrating both at the same time. But if you truly believe that Christmas is about remembering how God became one of us, to walk in our midst, ultimately to die for us … then let me tell you, the world’s watching you.

They’re wondering whether these Christians are simply going to have a self-indulgent celebration (you know, the one where you eat and drink so much on Christmas day that you end up in a food coma) or whether their faith is actually going to make a difference in their neighbourhood.

“Ah,” you might be thinking, “our neighbours don’t even know that we’re Christians … so we’re safe from scrutiny.” But if that’s true, then pardon me for saying so, it’s a serious worry. Jesus …

John 13:34,35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (ESV)

In other words, they should already know that you believe in Jesus because of the love you show them. Have you noticed how people these days aren’t so much interested in the truth?

But wisdom … that’s knowing how to apply the truth, how to live the truth. And people are hungry for that.

By this they’ll know that you are His disciples, if you have love for one another.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.