by John O’Malley
The phrase, I Serve Others, captures all we want to do for the Lord at WWNTBM. Over the next few months, I will write on the values we hold dear in the phrase, I Serve Others. We have already looked at the words inspire and open.
Mary held the infant Jesus. God, robed in flesh as a newborn babe, is now in her arms. He Who spoke the world into existence, she now cradles.
Love fills the stable as first-time parents bring a Child, who is Christ the Lord, into a world in the midst of crisis, conflict, and confusion. Shepherds will soon arrive. Mary and her espoused husband will share this precious Babe with the world. He came to save His people from their sin.
As I see it, Joseph looks lovingly. Mary returns the look with understanding. Yes, their world changed. But, even more so, the whole world changed forever. Tenderness is etched in every word as well as in the silence of the scene.
Yes, tonight begins His journey to the cross. Mary will be present for each significant event of His life and ministry. He will become sin for us Who knew no sin. The suffering He will face will be harsh, tortuous, and violent. Yet, the lady who wrapped Jesus in swaddling clothes has only tenderness for this child of the Holy Ghost.
The tender spirit of the first Christmas night is the spirit we must have in every aspect of our lives and ministries. When the world is in conflict around you, be tender. When confusion abounds in your community, be tender. When there is trouble in your church and home, be tender. When there are fear and worry, be tender.
Our desire at World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions is to manifest tenderness. We desire to communicate with tenderness. We want to be a voice of calm, peace, and tenderness when you enlist our assistance.
When you are at your best, are you tender? When you are less-than-your-best, are you tender?
This Christmas season will produce many emotions. Let the tenderness of the Savior’s birth be in the tone, attitude, and spirit of your communication amongst all with whom you interact.
Merry Christmas.
Yours for the harvest,
John O’Malley
If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley here to let him know.