From Luke’s gospel in chapter two we read about the birth of Christ. Before the incarnate birth we read beginning with verse 8 the account of angels coming to the Shepherds. What a blessed event this was. The common man, tending their flock, then suddenly the sky opens and a glorious light shine around them. The heavenly conversation is amazing to read repeatedly. But, one word stands out in mind as I write this article. The word eudokía, or translated in English “good will.” There is no better time to spread good will than Christmas.

God spread good will to humanity with the birth of Christ, our messiah. Good will is understood to be delight in the life of another or others. Over thousands of years mankind had waited on their redeemer. Now, we read He has arrived and with Him comes good will.

This year Christmas will more than likely be much different for most of us. Typically, the Church will share the good will of God’s word every day of our lives. With the gospel we have practiced the opportunity to meet, in some way the material needs of those around us. However, this year we may not have the opportunity to visit. If we look around, there remain families struggling, children having to suffer because of bad decisions of adults. There is elderly living next door to us who only need a friendly visit. The nursing homes and hospitals are full of kind, loving and lonely folks wishing they could hear a Merry Christmas and have someone ask if they could pray with them. This year pray and think about ways to provide the Good Will of God’s grace to another person. Send cards and letters to the shut ins. Continue to provide your Christmas outreach in the form of gift cards, gift certificates, nonperishable food items and even toys by dropping them off at the door with a loving card of letter letting them know you or your church hasn’t forgotten them. Neighbor we can think outside of the box this Christmas. You know if very well could be Gods desire that we continue to live through the issues I stated above in order to get the church out of our comfort zone and out into the highway’s and hedges with the Gospel in word and deed.

I’m not trying to guilt trip anyone into anything. I realize Christmas is a busy time of the year. The is shopping, and cooking and gatherings are going to continue in some way shape form or fashion; can you find time to spread good will in someone’s life. If you really want to find HOPE in the worldly mess around us, try first giving of yourself and try spreading good will. Once you see that it really works you will want to find a way to do this every day throughout the year. Merry Christmas everyone and look for HOPE from good will!