A blog from Sunday’s sermon on Ephesians 4:1-3
Christmas is a season filled with lights, food, traditions, and gifts, but at its heart, it is about Christ. Yet for many believers, Christmas can become the very time when Christ is least visible in our attitudes, words, and actions. Family gatherings can test our patience, expose old wounds, and challenge our witness.
The apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:1–3 give us a clear blueprint for how Christ should be seen through us, especially during Christmas. If Jesus were attending our family Christmas, how would He act? How would He speak? How would He love? Paul points us to three key concerns that help us bring Christ to Christmas.
I. A Concern for Christ
Paul begins with a strong, personal exhortation: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you…” (Eph. 4:1). This is not a casual suggestion. Paul is begging, exhorting, and urging believers to live in a way that reflects who they are in Christ.
Walk Worthy of Your Calling
Our “walk” refers to the way we live our daily lives. As believers, we were called to salvation, and once we accepted that invitation, everything changed. We became children of God, new creations, raised to walk in newness of life.
To walk “worthy” means that our lives should match our profession of faith. In simple terms: our walk should match our talk. Faith that never shows up in action is dead, and everything we do should be done as unto the Lord.
Application
At Christmas, this matters deeply. We are always being watched, by Jesus first and foremost, but also by our families. They are asking, even if silently, “Are you going to live what you preach?”
Our actions, reactions, and attitudes during Christmas should reflect our calling in Christ. Don’t just celebrate Christmas. Live Christ.
II. A Concern for Others
Paul next turns our attention outward. A Christ-centered life is never self-centered.
Humility and Gentleness
Humility is a lowliness of mind that places the needs of others above our own. This isn’t about beating ourselves down through false humility or asceticism; it’s about elevating others in value and importance.
Gentleness, or meekness, is often misunderstood. The world sees meekness as weakness, but biblical meekness is strength under control. Like a powerful horse with a bit in its mouth, the strength is still there, it is simply submitted to the master’s will.
These two qualities go together. When we truly care for others, our words and actions come under control.
Application
Think about how carefully you hold a newborn baby. Your strength doesn’t disappear, you simply restrain it out of love and care.
At Christmas, we must empty ourselves of pride and selfishness. Our family members are people for whom Jesus died. Instead of pursuing self-interest or asserting ourselves, we submit our strength to Christ and use it to serve others in love.
III. A Concern for the Mission
Paul then moves to endurance and unity, reminding us that we are on mission together.
Patience and Love
Patience, or long-suffering (macrothumia), means being slow to anger and restrained under pressure. It is emotional quietness in difficult circumstances, and it flows naturally from humility and meekness.
Paul also calls us to bear with one another in love. This means enduring, putting up with, and forgiving, not because it’s easy, but because love is a decision followed by action. Agape love is unconditional and seeks to elevate and meet the needs of others.
Keeping Unity
Unity does not happen accidentally. Paul says we must be eager to preserve it. The bond of peace holds us together when we focus on what unifies us rather than what divides us.
For families, the greatest bond is not a last name, shared memories, or even blood. The deepest bond is God’s sovereign plan. Your family is a God-ordained mission field, and God’s purposes within that family are what truly bind you together.
Application
Soldiers endure hardship for the sake of the mission. In the same way, when your mission is to be a witness for Christ to your family, you will endure. Keeping that mission at the forefront empowers you to love, forgive, and persevere, because at the end of the day, what matters most is seeing those you love follow Jesus.
Conclusion: Don’t Just Bring Gifts. Bring Christ
Humility, gentleness, patience, love, and unity are all characteristics of Christ. They should also be the defining characteristics of His followers, both within the church family and the personal family.
This means:
- Fellowship with Jesus
- Praying for others
- Serving others
- Pointing others to Christ
This is how Jesus would do Christmas.
If this does not reflect your attitude toward others, then Christmas is the perfect time to get your heart right. This year, don’t just bring wrapped presents to your family gathering.
Bring Christ to Christmas.
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