Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord.
J. I. PackerRead
The Christmas spirit does not shine out in the Christian snob. For the Christmas spirit is the spirit of those who, like their Master, live their whole lives on the principle of making themselves poor -- spending and being spent -- to enrich their fellow humans, giving time, trouble, care and concern, to do good to others -- and not just their own friends -- in whatever way there seems need.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The Christmas spirit is about selflessness and helping others rather than elitism or exclusivity.
In this quote, J. I. Packer emphasizes that the true essence of the Christmas spirit lies in selflessness and generosity. It is not displayed by those who act out of elitism or pride, but by those who follow the example of Christ by dedicating their lives to serving others without discrimination. This spirit manifests in self-sacrifice and the willingness to enrich the lives of those around us, highlighting the importance of compassion and concern for the greater good.
Themes
ChristmasSpiritSelflessnessServiceGenerosity
In practice
Example use cases
During a church service, to inspire the community to provide for those in need during the holiday season.
More from J. I. Packer
All quotes →He that has learned to feel his sins, and to trust Christ as a Saviour, has learned the two hardest and greatest lessons in Christianity.
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We need to discover all over again that worship is natural to the Christian, as it was to the godly Israelites who wrote the psalms, and that the habit of celebrating the greatness and graciousness of God yields an endless flow of thankfulness, joy, and zeal.
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The fruit of wisdom is Christlikeness, peace, humility and love. And, the root of it is faith in Christ as the manifested wisdom of God
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Were I asked to focus the New Testament message in three words, my proposal would be ADOPTION THROUGH PROPITIATION, and I do not expect ever to meet a richer or more pregnant summary of the gospel than that.
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Only when it is seen that what decides each individual's destiny is whether or not God decides to save him from his sins, and that this is a decision that God need not make in any individual case, can one begin to grasp the biblical view of grace.
J. I. PackerRead
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