The Christmas Season is here - lights are going up on Christmas Trees, holiday recipes are pulled out, people are making lists of the things they desire, and the malls are filled with the hustle and bustle of shopping, ensuring they get the perfect gift for the lists they've received. Who doesn't love to receive a good gift?

But do you know that Christmas is not about getting more stuff but giving more of ourselves to those who need it most?

JESUS WANTS A GIFT TOO

While going through your list of "I want," have you considered what Jesus may want? Christmas is his birthday, after all! What on earth could be a fitting gift to give to God?

Take a look at Micah 6:8; this scripture says, "What does the Lord require of you? Do Justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God." So, what does it mean to Do Justice? Justice is a term that's easily misunderstood, especially in today's cultural climate. This is not about Legal Justice or Social Justice, but Biblical Justice. 

WHAT DOES BIBLICAL JUSTICE REQUIRE?

We see the Justice of God displayed in a broken world where so many lack the basics. The prophet Isaiah documents the shocking description of Justice through God's eyes in Isaiah 48:1-9. 

Doing Biblical Justice requires three things: 

#1) Relationship: It's impossible to have a relationship with God if you don't have a relationship with the poor. 

#2) Responsibility: To show special care for the vulnerable and oppressed. 

#3) Resources: You share a portion of the resources God's given you with those who need it most.  

GOD HAS YOUR BACK!

God tells us in Proverbs 14:31 that those who oppress the poor insult their Maker but helping the poor honors Him. If we watch the backs of the poor and the oppressed, God will have our backs. We must understand that this works both ways; God says, when You insult the poor, you insult me. If you ignore the poor, you're ignoring me! Conversely: If you are kind to the poor, you're kind to me. The point is that Jesus is unlike every other religious deity because He identifies with the poor and vulnerable. Not with those at the top of the ladder - the rich, the powerful, and the wealthy. 

GET TO KNOW GOD BY GETTING TO KNOW THE POOR

One of the ways to get to know God more deeply is to get to know some of His favorite people. God says in Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” You can't have a relationship with God if you don't have a relationship with the poor. So God encourages us to get to know our brothers and sisters who are poor and in need. Let's not walk past them and rob ourselves of the opportunity to draw closer to God and give Him the gift He is looking for -- feeding the hungry and providing clothes and shelter to those in need. Let’s Do Justice! 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

For additional related content from Liquid Church, check out the resources below:

• MESSAGE: For the full message from part 1 of Liquid Church's “All I Want For Christmas” Series, “Do Justice,” click here.
• VOLUNTEER: Every year, our church partners with City Relief who mobilizes thousands of volunteers to compassionately serve those struggling with homelessness by providing hope and resources that lead towards life transformation. To learn more about City Relief, click here.
• CHRISTMAS OFFERING: To learn how you can help us fulfill the Micah 6:8 vision through 4 vital missions in 2023, view our Christmas Offering Brochure by clicking here.