The Christmas season offers us an opportunity to show love and appreciation for others by giving gifts. Unfortunately, commercialism has somewhat corrupted this tradition. The stores advertize holiday shopping and start decorating for Christmas earlier and earlier every year. It almost loses its appeal, and we forget the reason for the holiday.
But nevertheless, there is probably no other time of the year where we are the most generous with our gift giving. So, don't let commercialism steal your joy of giving. Let's not stress out about it. Sometimes the best gifts are cost-free or cost very little: Giving of our time to someone in need, remembering friends and family by sending them a card, or showing our love by making something for a friend, or baking some cookies, or giving them a call....It lets them know that we think of them and we care for them.
Everyone who was involved in the Christmas story of Jesus's birth gave something....Mary gave birth to the Son of God. When Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem, there was no place to stay, and the Innkeeper gave a stable for them to stay. The angels gave an announcement to some shepherds, about Jesus's birth and the location. The three wise men gave gifts to the newborn. And, the greatest gift of all came from God, who gave His Son to the world....the gift of eternal life.
Jesus also demonstrated a life of giving, and so our lives should be an example of giving to others, not only material things but of ourselves as well, even when sometimes it is not easy or convenient for us. We should give, not only at Christmastime but throughout the year....
So, as you celebrate Christmas, may you be richly blessed and remember the real reason for the season.
Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year
But nevertheless, there is probably no other time of the year where we are the most generous with our gift giving. So, don't let commercialism steal your joy of giving. Let's not stress out about it. Sometimes the best gifts are cost-free or cost very little: Giving of our time to someone in need, remembering friends and family by sending them a card, or showing our love by making something for a friend, or baking some cookies, or giving them a call....It lets them know that we think of them and we care for them.
Everyone who was involved in the Christmas story of Jesus's birth gave something....Mary gave birth to the Son of God. When Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem, there was no place to stay, and the Innkeeper gave a stable for them to stay. The angels gave an announcement to some shepherds, about Jesus's birth and the location. The three wise men gave gifts to the newborn. And, the greatest gift of all came from God, who gave His Son to the world....the gift of eternal life.
Jesus also demonstrated a life of giving, and so our lives should be an example of giving to others, not only material things but of ourselves as well, even when sometimes it is not easy or convenient for us. We should give, not only at Christmastime but throughout the year....
So, as you celebrate Christmas, may you be richly blessed and remember the real reason for the season.
Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year
