REFLECTING GOD’S LOVE AT CHRISTMAS

By Dr. Phyllis J. Arno

Matthew 5:14–16 (KJV):

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

The greatest gift that God has ever given us is His Son, Jesus Christ. Because of this precious gift, we are offered eternal life.

This gift did not come beautifully wrapped with a big red bow from a department store. Instead, it came humbly—from a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes.

When God gave us this gift, it was an expression of His perfect love for you and for me. He longs to have a personal relationship with each of us.

He knows that we will stumble and fall, yet He is always there—holding out His arm and saying: Matthew 11:28 (KJV):

“Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

This Christmas season, let us reflect on how we can shine God’s love into a dark world, just as the light of heaven shone when the angels appeared to the shepherds.

Reflecting God’s Love Through the Temperaments

The Choleric can reflect God’s love by using their gift of leadership to bring people together. They are especially effective at organizing Christmas activities such as neighborhood caroling, dinners, and Christmas pageants.

The Melancholy can reflect God’s love through their creativity—making Christmas gifts, building and designing sets, writing pageants and music, and playing or singing Christmas hymns.

The Phlegmatic can reflect God’s love by using their peacemaking spirit and keen eye for detail. They are well-suited for activities that require patience, precision, and faithfulness in completing detailed or behind-the-scenes tasks.

The Sanguine can reflect God’s love through their enthusiasm and love for people. They often enjoy participating in church services, dinners, Christmas caroling, and volunteering to deliver food and gifts.

The Supine can reflect God’s love through their heart for serving. They joyfully prepare food, set and decorate tables, serve meals, clean up afterward, wash dishes, fold chairs, assemble and dismantle sets for plays—doing whatever needs to be done to bless others.

All of the temperaments can reflect God’s love at Christmas—and all year long.

Practical Ways to Reflect God’s Love This Christmas

During the Christmas season, all temperaments are encouraged to remember to:

• Keep Christ at the center of Christmas—this is His birthday.

• Maintain balance, avoiding overload and unnecessary stress.

• Look for ways to show God’s love to those around you—be a reflection of His light.

Ephesians 5:2 (KJV):

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.”

Ephesians 5:8 (KJV):

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”