The World Needs a STABLE Influence
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Since the first store put out their Christmas displays and decorations, we’ve been under the inflSince September and the first store put out their Christmas displays and decorations, we’ve been under the influence of the Christmas season. Game was on for that store to sell, sell, sell and we to buy, buy, buy. And, they succeeded. Shelves have emptied quickly. The phrases, “under the influence” or “on a high”, are typically used in defining someone’s mental or physical faculties that are impaired because they are intoxicated or on drugs.
For those of us who are on “highs” from the joy and blessings of this season, it’s because we set ourselves in the position of giving and receiving those joys and blessings. We are under the influence of gratitude and the Christmas Spirit. I see it in social media posts, photos and I’ve witnessed it firsthand here at my apartment community. I’ve received more Christmas cards this year than in many years past. It only costs us a walk through many hallways to deliver our goodwill and cheer and that’s a bonus because we’re getting good exercise, plus basking in the holiday decorations at each of our neighbors’ doors. Good tidings are displayed all over!
Those of us who are believers in the true meaning of Christmas are “high” on the Christmas spirit. We are “under the influence” of He Who is the originator of joy, peace, hope, and love. At the announcement of Jesus’ birth, the shepherds were under the influence of the angels. The magi were under the influence of HOPE and the Star they saw in the East. I, too, am under the influence of this beautiful time when I hear God speaking through music, the jingle bells jingling, and the squeals and delights of children. I see Him in in the lights shining so brightly, and in my friends and family as we open our hearts to His love.
No one has influenced and changed the world the way Jesus has. And UNDER HIS INFLUENCE, more lives have been positively changed than by anything or anyone else in history. I feel sorry for those who don’t know Jesus. You see, no other great leader has inspired so many positive changes in the lives of His followers as Jesus. Jesus is the only leader Who is alive and well and lives in our hearts when we invite Him in. People who encounter the risen Christ are totally transformed. Their outlook on life is altered forever.
Those who profess Christ and Christianity may face ridicule, hardship, persecution and even death, but we stay true to our faith with resilience and determination. Many devote their lives to serving others, minimizing their own needs and desires — all because of Christ’s influence on them.
Maybe you aren’t in the Christmas spirit this year – then please check out what or Who is influencing you. And what does YOUR influence look like in impacting others about Jesus, His birth, His life, His death and His resurrection. Perhaps it’s time we all took a trip to the stable. It just might be that we’ll be influenced by the precious baby in the manger, and we’ll become STABLE influencers.