|| "Care for others the best present of all" - Brian Houston ||

WHILE Christmas means different things to different people, it is universally recognised as the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

A Jewish boy, Jesus wasn't born in a palace among kings or in a temple among priests. He was conceived out of wedlock, in the midst of tumultuous times and in lowly circumstances. He didn't come just for the privileged,the elite, the religious or the powerful … he came for everyone.
Everyone.

It's a powerful word.

In a world where status, background, sexuality, political persuasion, or what side of the tracks you are from can cause so much conflict and strife, Jesus came with a very simple message.

One of "peace on earth and goodwill to all". God excludes no one from his love.

That can be difficult for us to understand within a culture driven by prejudice, personal ambition and selfishness. We live in a society that makes it easy to forget about others.

What do you see around you as you prepare for Christmas Day? Moment by moment, your eyes will glance over buildings, cars, houses, lights, storefronts, streets, corners, the hustle and bustle of the crowds.

I think God sees it all from a different perspective.

When God looks at a city or a town, he sees the people in the buildings, the people driving their cars, the people in their houses, the people shopping and commuting from place to place, the individual in the crowd.

God sees people. God sees you. You are important to him.

Even during biblical times, some religious leaders tried to make God exclusive. Many were shocked that God would offer salvation to those who didn't have the same religious and cultural beliefs as them; yet God made it clear that his amazing love was offered to every person, irrespective of heritage or lifestyle.
Jesus himself was criticised by the "religious" people of the day for associating with those who lived their lives contrary to what he taught. He shared meals with prostitutes and tax collectors (who at the time exploited others). He lived a message of acceptance.

What a great example of inclusiveness. The same Jesus we celebrate this Christmas was teaching us not to judge others, but to love others.

Today, everyone is still included in God's plan.

Some may not feel as though they are a part of any plan. They may feel abandoned and dread the approach of Christmas because it highlights what they don't have and cannot do.

The message of not only Christmas but of Christianity is one of rescue and hope in the midst of despair and hopelessness. God sees the desperation in the eyes of the single mother who just lost her job and can't pay her rent, let alone provide gifts for her children. He sees the vulnerable child afraid to go home and the farmers in rural Australia who are struggling to feed their cattle. His heart is close to the poor, the sick and the defenceless.

Regardless of our differences, of what you believe about Jesus, it is a human responsibility to care for one another; to love and extend acceptance.

This Christmas season, take a moment to consider others. When we extend the hand of love, support and acceptance to others - as far as God is concerned - it is the greatest gift we could possibly give.