This Christmas I invite you to consider the celebration as more than the birth of our Savior and the festivities surrounding it. Christmas is also the story of God’s mercy—mercy that reaches beyond spiritual need to include the physical and emotional need of the vulnerable and abused. Even more significant is that the depth of God’s mercy and concern for the poor is told through a young girl from a humble background. Mary herself was seemingly unimportant and susceptible to harm. When the angel Gabriel told Mary “you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30) and would bear God’s Son, her situation changed completely. ...

Sometimes in the middle of our busy schedules, numerous activities and responsibilities we need a reminder about God’s heart for those who are hurting and taken advantage of.

In a world filled with injustice, what is the role of Christ-followers to help those who are in need? Is it our responsibility to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves? Proverbs 31:8-9 is a clear mandate to stand up for the defenseless and demand justice. With a resounding “yes!”, this verse answers the question – should believers speak up when they see injustice being carried out around them? This is what Jesus did for us. ..