Family Heart Beat Poem: why we don't see division.

Unity Example #3 Emmanuel

I want to highlight some examples of Christian Unity. I have a few ideas to start with. If anything else comes to mind please let me know.

With Christmas approaching I want to celebrate our shared Emmanuel.

"God With Us"

Matthew 1:23 (NET)

 “Look! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will name him Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.

When we stop and think about it, it is pretty amazing.

It is comforting to recognize that God is with us.

People have often tried to reach out to God, but we can share in the experience of God coming to be with us.

In terms of unity, we may want to stop and consider that "God is with" other Christ followers, who may be different than us, as well.

Matthew 28:20 (NET)

"teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Please let me know if I am incorrect about most Christians sharing this.  Or if other examples of Christian unity come to mind please let me know as well. Feel free to leave any feedback. Thanks.

Unity Example #2 Charity At Christmas

I want to highlight some examples of Christian Unity. I have a few ideas to start with. If anything else comes to mind please let me know.

With Christmas approaching I want to celebrate the shared emphasis on charity this time of year.

It seems Christians from all tradition encourage giving food, money,  or other kinds of help to people who are poor, sick, or in some form of need.

Many of the acts of charity have grown into larger charitable organizations that help connect givers with those in need. For example World Vision, Compassion, Samaritan's Purse and Operation Christmas Child, Salvation Army, local food banks and shelters for homeless... the list could go on.

I also want to highlight the simple acts of charity that Christians do individually: Giving gifts of food or clothing to someone in need. Inviting someone in need over for a meal. Helping an elderly neighbor, or someone who is sick.  It would be impossible to list all the examples of this, since much of it is done quietly and without any press coverage. 

I just want to celebrate that all Christ followers agree that Charity is a Christian thing to do, especially at Christmas.

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’   Acts 20:35

Unity Example #1 Peace At Christmas

I want to highlight some examples of Christian Unity. I have a few ideas to start with. If anything else comes to mind please let me know.

With Christmas approaching I want to celebrate the shared emphasis on peace this time of year.

A saying goes:

Three phrases that sum up Christmas are: Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men, and Batteries not Included.

Christians from various traditions encourage peace at Christmas.  The first example that comes to mind are examples of Christmas truces during bloody wars.  It seems very strange that men will be trying to kill each for months or years, but then when Christmas day arrives they have often made peace for the day. I found this fascinating story where German and Allied soldiers met in 'no man's land' during World War 1 to shake hands and wish each other Merry Christmas: http://history1900s.about.com/od/1910s/a/christmastruce.htm

I think the shared emphasis of Peace at this time of year originates from the lips of the angels in this passage.

Luke 2:10 - 14 (NET)

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people: Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”  Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!”

Christians believe Christ is a source of peace.

May we recognize that all Christ followers desire peace (at least at Christmas). 

May we all find Peace during this Christmas season, and once we find it may we hold it all year long.

May we consider how we can work together to bring peace to each other here on earth.

John 14:27 (NET)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage."

If any other examples of Christian unity come to mind, please let me know.

Peace Out!