Since the next two weeks of my life will be filled with fun, family, friends and the kids on Christmas break, I will be posting only once each week. I know, I know…you’re gonna miss me terribly!! HA! HA!
Honestly, I can’t contain my excitement because I love this time of year! There’s nothing better than cookies, hot-toddies, caroling and Christmas lights. (Makes me hungry and thirsty just thinking about it!)
However, not everyone ‘loves’ this time of year. In fact, it’s pretty hard for lots of folks around the world.
Many people are spending their first Christmas without a spouse, child or parent. Others are going through illnesses, divorce or financial issues that douse the holiday season with acid rain.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
There is nothing anyone can say or do to make the pain go away or to lift the spirits of the downtrodden.
The only hope is in our Savior, Jesus Christ. Hence, the reason for the season.
Sounds cliché, but anyone who has dealt with the tragic traumas of life understands that Jesus truly is our only saving grace. Without Him, we would be lost.
The good news is that Christmas isn’t about a make-believe Santa Clause and a red-nosed reindeer.
It’s about a gift from Heaven above to save the world from our sinfulness and the evil we perpetuate.
No matter who we are, we all NEED Jesus. The rich, the poor, the saint, the sinner, the alcoholic, the church-goer, the cheater, the beater and everyone in between…our gift is the same and He came wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in the manger.
God loved us so much that He came into the world to save us…I sure don’t deserve that kind of gift (and I’ve been good this year – well, kinda!!)
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. 1John 4:9-12
Thank God the gift has nothing to do with whether we are worthy!!! (Lost that battle a LONG time ago!)
Sadly, people tend to forget that Santa gives us gifts that perish. Indeed, the gifts of this world will pass away. Our wealth and health will one day fail us and what will then be left?? Sigh.
BUT, God gives a gift that goes on for eternity. Did you hear that? ETERNITY!!!! God wants you and me to be with Him FOREVER. WOW! That’s a very long time!!
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Sooooo…what can we do to help those around us who are struggling?
- Give the gift of our time.
- Give the gift of listening.
- Give the gift of a smile.
- Give the gift of laughter.
- Give the gift of a cheerful disposition.
- Give the gift of a hug.
- Give the gift of a note/email/text.
All of these gifts are free and they are something we should learn to give away daily – a.k.a. not just during Christmas! Jesus was born to save us and told us to love others. (See John 13:34)
Now, get on out there and love somebody!!! Merry Christmas!!
Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 8:17 – I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
**Image courtesy of “Gift” by Naito8/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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