Included in the wonderful gift of celebrating the arrival of Jesus’ presence, I cannot help but reflect on the joys of His blessings over the past year. But as soon as I write this I’m reminded that this Christmas season is not necessarily joy-filled for some of you.
So I ask you, How are you REALLY doing today in this season of your life?
As I prepare to teach on the Advent of Aloha, my heart is filled with gratitude to God for the blessings of my family—both blood and blood of Christ (church) family. I feel and experience so much of God’s aloha through my wife, children, grandchildren, family, and the family of God at our church.
On the other hand, my heart is burdened in prayer for all the physical, relational, emotional needs of those experiencing hurt and pain on various levels. I’m asking myself where is God inviting me to live and serve with aloha this Christmas season?
As we celebrate Jesus this Advent season, we remember that aloha did not begin with us—it began with God. The Christmas story is about God initiating the life and sacrifice of aloha. “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)
Jesus stepped into our pain, our mess, and our need—with presence, compassion, and sacrificial love. John writes, “My command is this: ALOHA each other as I have loved you. Greater ALOHA has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:12-14 (Rod paraphrase/NIV)
Where is God inviting us to live aloha on purpose?
- Maybe aloha looks like slowing down to really listen.
- Maybe aloha is taking time to listen, being patient while driving or shopping.
- Or maybe aloha looks like forgiveness or extending grace where it’s hard.
- Maybe it’s noticing someone who feels invisible, or serving someone in need, or prayer.
The good news is this: we are invited to reflect the aloha we have already received in Christ. As Jesus loved us first, we now aloha others. This Christmas, may we not only celebrate that God is with us, but also live in a way that shows God’s aloha through us—in our homes, our church, and our community. Ahhhhhhhh! That’s Show God ~ Share Aloha!
