Christmas: What Would Jesus Do? - By Ruth L. Snyder

Christmas is a season of contrasts. Let's think about some of them:

• Christmas is a season of peace, but there is discord in many homes
• People exchange gifts, but fail to give the gift of time, friendship, and love
• Christmas is a time of celebration, but some families are grieving the loss of a dear one
• Christmas lights glow, but it takes a dark night to really make them glitter
• Families gather around tables laden with food while others sit alone on the streets of our towns and cities
• Radio stations play Christmas carols between news of accidents, crime, and greed

In the 1990's wwjd (What Would Jesus Do) bracelets were popular. During the Christmas season it is easy to get caught up in commercialism, Christmas programs, family get-togethers, and food. But what would Jesus do to celebrate Christmas? What would Jesus have me do to celebrate Christmas?

Our family participates in many of the same activities others do. However, for the past couple of years God has been focusing my attention on the needs of those caught in slavery and sex-trafficking. Unfortunately, these activities are increasing instead of decreasing. Freedom United states there are more than 40 million people caught in this terrifying web. (For more information, check out 13 Sex Trafficking Statistics That Put the Worldwide Problem into Perspective)

What would Jesus do? As I have contemplated this question, I have sought ways to help. The first action I took was to join a nightly email group. We pray for victims, traffickers, policemen, churches, and others. Last year I joined Dressember, wearing a dress every day in December to raise awareness and fundraise to help organizations working on the front lines. Others joined me and together we raised over $500. This year I have created my own version. I am still wearing a dress every day, but am aiming to raise $1,000 for the YES Initiative with SIM Canada. I have set up a fundraiser on Facebook so that friends and family from far and near can join me. So far $380.00 has been donated.

As many of you know, I recently published my devotional book, Equipped: Ephesians 6 Devotionals to Empower and Make You Victorious in Everyday Struggles. Before the book was published, I contacted John Cassells, who works with SIM and asked if I could partner with him in his ministry. Here's a video that explains some of what they do.

For December, I am donating $5.00 from the sale of every paperback copy of Equipped to the YES Initiative. (Men Ending Trafficking is involved in the YES Initiative.) I will continue to support Men Ending Trafficking as God enables me. You can purchase a copy of Equipped from Amazon, by emailing me, or asking for it in your local bookstore.

Check out the 12 Days of Christmas series I'm running on my blog until Christmas :)

I would also like to invite you to join a FREE 10-Day devotional challenge. You will receive 10 free devotionals and access to a private Facebook group to discuss the devotionals, apply them to your life, and pray.

https://equipped.lpages.co/equipped-10-day-devotional-challenge/

What does Jesus want you to do this Christmas and on into 2019? Let's share in the comments. Merry Christmas!

Ruth L. Snyder lives with her husband and five children in north eastern Alberta, Canada. She started learning lessons about being equipped from her missionary parents, became better equipped at Prairie Bible College, and continues to learn daily. She writes in a variety of genres, including devotional, memoir, and Christian romance. Connect with Ruth at ruthlsnyder.com