By Pastor tony Ojamiren
Homelessness in Australia is a social issue concerning the number of people in Australia that are considered to be homeless. ... It is estimated that on any given night approximately 105,000 people will be homeless and many more are living in insecure housing, "one step away from being homeless"(abc).
As we walk around doing our street witnessing every Thursday nights, we can attest to this statistic.
Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. I read a story of some Millionaires who decided to live rough on the streets of Melbourne to mark "homelessness week" and experience how these people feel at least for a weekend. This is to raise awareness of people experiencing homelessness.They all express their appreciation and campaigned for more funding for low cost housing. Jesus came devoid Himself of His glory and became flesh to dwell among sin infested humanity to experience our pain and suffering – John 1:14.John 1:11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
Let us have a look at human sympathy and compassion.These millionaires experience homelessness for a few days, made a some noise and went back to their luxurious houses and penthouses but Jesus grew up in poverty, mingled with sinners, the poor and downtrodden and ended up on a cruel cross for us.2 Corin 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. Where is that feeling for a fellow human being?Jesus wanted to feel our pain and suffering. He emptied Himself of His glory. We ought to feel the pain and suffering for our fellow human being. Feeling their pain is one thing but we must be prepared to do something.Jesus was moved with compassion, feed the poor heal the sick and raise the dead.To feel people’s pain and suffering is one thing, we must be prepared to do something. This should not be confined to any Christmas season but must be a lifestyle.“Compassion is don’t just stand there, do something”Yet they say, there is no room in the Inn.- The best, one Inn keeper could do is send them to a cave where animals are kept. This was where our Lord Jesus Christ was born and Mary laid Him in a manger (animal feeding trough - Our Lord’s bassinet) Jesus came as a stranger, they missed out on the privilege.Heb 13:2 ‘do not forget to entertain strangers but by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels unaware’.Giving to strangers and entertaining them is doing it for Christ.Matt 25:35-36 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' What about you today? After more than 2000 years later: Giving is synonymous with Christmas.
WHAT WILL YOU GIVE TO GOD TODAY?He is not looking for your money, talent or what you can do for God, but He wants you to give your heart to Him.Pray: Jesus! This heart of mine, I tried everything (drug, alcohol, nicotine, sex, money and everything the world has got to offer and yet I am still empty. Now that I have found YOU, forgive me for shutting my heart’s door against You for so long. Come into my heart, for You are the Only One that can fill and satisfy the emptiness in my heart. Amen. Praying this prayer will invite the Spirit of Jesus to fill the emptiness in your heart and make every day to be Christmas to you.Have the best Christmas ever.
Your friend Tony
Thought For Reflection:“Christmas is every day to those who have accepted Jesus as their Saviour and Lord”.