Engaging Our Culture: December 17-Learning to Compromise with Compassion this Christmas

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1974 movie “The Year Without a Santa Claus”

The Bible Verse of the Day:

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone, Romans 12:14-18.

Biblical Connection:

As families come together for Christmas next week, there will be clashes in personalities. Just as Heat and Freeze Meiser struggled to get along, strong willed family members are difficult to be around. This is where Mother Nature intervenes, urging her two sons to learn to compromise. Therefore, ensuring a joyful Christmas means making concessions to keep the peace in your home.

While writing to the Church at Rome, the apostle Paul reminds members of this congregation of Jesus’ teaching. Paul quotes portions of the Sermon on the Mount, highlighting Matthew 5:10-12 and Matthew 5:43-47. Jesus called listeners in the crowd to bless, pray for and love their enemies. This same message applies to Christmas, learning to compromise with compassion.

Closing Song:

A week after Christmas, individuals make dreams, goals, promises and vows to become a better person in 2026. May you start your New Year resolutions a few weeks early this week so that your heart will be prepared to compromise with family members this Christmas, fueled by compassion.

by Jay Mankus

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