How do you celebrate Christmas?

The Son of Man could have made a triumphant entry into the world, but instead, he came as a vulnerable baby with no place to lay his head. Jesus gave up His place in Heaven to see the world through the eyes of a child in need. As we celebrate Christmas this year, I hope you will reflect on the scene of Jesus laying in a manger and consider the way the God of the universe has chosen to relate to us. Before the baby Jesus uttered a word, He revealed the unfathomable love of the Father – love that is personal, intimate and sacrificial.

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What better way to celebrate Christmas this year than to show the love of Jesus to the children in need around us? God’s heart overflows for these little ones who have come from hard places. In Matthew 25:40 (CSB), Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Join me in celebrating the birth of Jesus by showing His love to the children without families this Christmas. Dedicate yourself to prayer for the caregivers who demonstrate this love on a regular basis. Make the commitment to volunteer in one of our ministries near you. Schedule a tour of one of our campuses and find out how you can get involved. Invite one of our staff members to share about how you can offer your home to a child in need. Make a donation to share the resources God has blessed you with. However you do it, join with us in caring for God’s children this Christmas and into the New Year.

Perhaps you are one who knows that all of the hope in the world is found in the good news of Jesus, but you are not feeling very hopeful this year. Let us help you through our Christian counseling ministries. This service is provided in many places around the state to offer healing and restoration from a biblical perspective. Call (501) 455-8554 to schedule an appointment with one of our professional counselors.

As we wrap up our 125th year of ministry to God’s children and families, I have to say thank you to our Arkansas Baptist family for your great commitment to Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries! Because of you, many children will experience this Christmas in their forever homes, some for the very first time! Many more have defeated the cycle of brokenness that disrupted their childhoods. The children of Arkansas can find hope, because the Son of Man entered the world as a child that first Christmas morning, and you have helped to spread the good news! On behalf of our children, thank you and Merry Christmas!

Derek A. Brown is executive director of the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries.

© Copyright 2019 Arkansas Baptist Newsmagazine, Inc. Use of this article in print or through electronic means a violation of copyright. Request permission to reprint here.

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