Christian Latina Leadership Blog

By: Patty Villarreal

Para leer la versión en español haga clic aquí

 As we near the end of 2023, many of us have already been looking at 2024. Some are already operating in a 2024 mode with scheduled meetings and upcoming travels throughout the year. Many of us want Christmas to last all year long!! Is this possible?

Yes, it IS Christmas all year long when we remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. He came and lived on this earth to remind humankind, the most treasured creation, that God loves us and because of that Jesus challenged us to live with an attitude of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love (a dominant theme in our worship songs). God’s desire is to tell others about His love and reconciliation. “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18)

At church, last year our choir director included in their repertoire during the Christmas season, a song written by Howard Thurman, “When the Work of Christmas Begins”.  Those of you who know me, can see my attraction to this theme. It has strong elements of recognizing needs and going beyond benevolence but into social justice. It reads,

“When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the night sky gone, When the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flocks, then the work of Christmas begins.”

“To find the lost, to heal those broken in spirit, to feed the hungry, to free the oppressed, to rebuild nations, to bring peace among all peoples, and to make a little music with the heart, and to radiate the light of Christ. Every day, in every way, in all we do and all we say. Then the work of Christmas begins.”

I hope you were able to celebrate Christmas with loved ones, those related to you by blood, those related by the Spirit in Christ, and with those outside your community. I hope you delighted in much food, fellowship, along with the church and school plays, Christmas dramas, and cantatas. But now, as the lyrics remind us “the work of Christmas begins.”

For several reasons, not everyone was able to experience “Happy Holidays.” Some had no control over this. Some, because they have not heard the true message of redemption and reconciliation were not able to celebrate the Joy of the season.

Telling the Story, and in particular your Story of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, is an active mission of all followers of Christ. Telling the Story goes hand in hand with the demonstrative side of redemption and reconciliation, quoting once again…. “To find the lost, to heal those broken in spirit, to feed the hungry, to free the oppressed, to rebuild nations, to bring peace among all peoples…”

My challenge to you, dear reader, is to decide what demonstrative acts throughout the year will continue your part on the “work of Christmas.” As we ponder this, we must follow Jesus in his public declaration of His mission statement:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).

Perhaps, you may already be involved in your ministry of reconciliation! Or maybe you have doubts as to where you should focus this year to be an influence in reconciliation in the lives of your family, your church, or other individuals. Ask the Spirit of the Lord to guide you to what tugs at your heart and will bring delight to Him. It might be a new adventure in getting involved in a reconciliation ministry or you might be fine-tuning the one you are already involved in. Whichever way, continue to be the blessing you already are! Adelante!!

¡¡Feliz Año Nuevo!!