Merry Christmas! I recently worked on a project for a family-owned community bank and the project involved reviewing their Employee Manual. When I read the cover page, I stopped and reflected on this statement:
“If you do not look after your own family, who will?”
I work with many family-owned community banks. But this was the first time I saw this powerful statement communicated to all employees. This institution treats their employees—owners or non-owners—as family. I held discovery sessions with several employees and the main theme that rose up was, “We are treated like family.” This family-oriented culture creates loyalty and dedication that goes beyond an employer-employee relationship. It creates long-lasting success.
Christmas is an opportunity to gather with our family and to reconnect with those we haven’t seen for a while. Many people travel long distances to meet with their loved ones because that’s what you do when you belong to a family. Unfortunately, some people don’t feel accepted or loved within their own family, which creates division and deep wounds. But I have good news for you!
Jesus came to change all of that! And we celebrate Christmas to remind us that regardless of who your earthly, blood family is, you will always be welcomed to join the family of God. It’s free and there are no deeds required to earn God’s love as your Father. All you must do is believe that God sent His only Son Jesus to save you. Romans 10:9-13 (NLT) tells us that, If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Salvation is the perfect gift that God gave each one of us for Christmas. Jesus Christ is that perfect gift! And you can freely share it with your family and friends at home and throughout the world as your Christmas gift to them!
I John 3:1 says, See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. This Christmas I encourage you to take care of your own family by simply reaching out to those you don’t see often. Invite your family to spend time with you. Attend the events that you’re invited to and participate. Engage with your family members that you don’t see often and get to know them better. Make your family feel welcome and that they belong with you. And if you have an opportunity, introduce them to Jesus so they can belong to the family of God too. After all, if you do not look after your own family, who will?
I wish you a Merry Christmas with your family and loved ones!