December is my favorite month for several reasons…

• It has the week of prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

• It’s tamale season inHispanic households

• All the Christmas music

• It’s my birthday month

• Last but not least, it’s the month we center our hearts and minds on the birth of Jesus Christ

Okay, time to confess. I’ve been listening to Christmas music since November. Yes, I am one of those people. What is your favorite Christmas song? I have a few, but Joy to the World and Go Tell it on the Mountain are at the top of my list.

Not only do they proclaim our Savior’s birth, but they also encourage action. That action is to go and tell of the good news of Jesus.

Beginning with the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20), we see people who have heard about Jesus’ birth, went to see Him, were changed forever and had to tell others about Him. The three wise men were also drawn by the majesty of King Jesus and journeyed far and wide just to sit in His presence (Matthew 2:1-12). Later in Jesus’ life, we see encounter after encounter where Jesus touched lives, and those individuals couldn’t help but to give testimony of what they had heard (John 4:39-42). These lives were quickened to action. True Christmas spirit is prompted by the gospel.

I pray that this same gospel spirit lives on in us. This season, may our hearts be quickened to share the good news of Jesus no matter where we go. May we give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering like never before so that all nations may hear of the wonders of His love.

The next time you hear a Christmas hymn or worship song, let it be a time to remember Jesus’ birth. Let it be a time where you stop and welcome in King Jesus. Let it be a time to prepare Him room above all else. Let it be a time of action where every person tells of His redeeming love and proudly proclaims, “Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!”

---

Liz Encinia is executive director-treasurer of Kentucky Woman’s Missionary Union.