Time seems to fly, each year going by faster and faster. How does that happen?
Next week, we will celebrate the greatest day of the year, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. When God gave us the person who would direct us on the path we need to follow, with the ultimate end of eternal life with Him. What greater goal could anyone have? But each year, there seems to be more and more which lead us down a different path, the one that will not lead to a happy eternal life, nor to the end gathering of family and friends. And an eternity without our Heavenly Father. How sad that would be!
Each year, it seems that Christ is being removed more and more from the holidays. People who are afraid of saying Merry Christmas! because it might offend someone. People who say Happy Holidays or Merry X-Mas. Those who demand the removal of the nativity scene from parks across the country. Not being able to mention God or Jesus in song or story, and who now have Winter Programs instead of Christmas programs. Those who act like the only reason for the season is a jolly, fat man in a red suit, bringing presents on December 25th. And what we need to do is to buy....beyond our means. To put on a "show" for others of how festive we can be. To purchase "things" which will be destroyed or tossed in a corner within a few months. And when the month turns over into January, the "good feelings" which so many have during the holiday season will also be relegated to a corner, as bleak as the winter sometimes seems outside of our doors. And for those who do not follow this crowd, you are made to feel as if you don't fit in, that you bring others down, and that you are a Scrooge. And that you somehow just don't get it. And, after being told all of this, the season becomes even bleaker for you, as you feel more and more isolated from those around you.
But let us stop and really look at the season. It is not about Santa and a sleigh of reindeer. It isn't about spending tons of money on mostly useless presents. It isn't about all the bright lights, the ton of cookies, or the overloaded credit cards. It is all about a baby, and what He came to earth to teach us all. And what this is all really about.
Jesus was born on this day, and would ultimately die for all of our sins. And while He was here, He left a plan, which we all need to follow. How we are to care about others more than ourselves. That does not mean buying a $1000 worth of stuff, exchanging a 54 inch TV for a 70 inch one, or not being able to pay our bills to put on a good show for others. We care about others by giving a part of ourselves, and embracing the idea that if others are without basic needs, than we should help. That stuffing our faces while others go hungry is something that we should be ashamed of doing. That as long as someone is sleeping outside while we are warm and safe inside, that we need to be helping find a cure instead of ignoring. That pets are a part of the family and deserve to be loved and protected and not tossed out with the wrapping paper. That love comes from the inside, and from living the life for which Christ has given the blue prints. That signing a card is not nearly as important as giving to help others.
It doesn't take a lot to make a difference. Tossing a few dollars in the red bucket when you see one. Buying an extra blanket and donating to a shelter. Giving some canned goods to the local food pantry, or church mission group so that others can have food to eat. Donating to an organization which is trying to make a difference in others lives. Do something unexpected to try to make a difference for others. Make a gift instead of buying something, it means so much more. Give "coupons" to others, to be exchanged for "jobs" which they might have trouble doing, but which you can do with ease. Take the price of those cards you send out (and which ultimately end up in the trash) and donate to a church group, soup kitchen, or buddy pack group where those cards will really do some good.
Remember those that spend the holidays alone, and try to include them in the festivities of the season. Make a meal for a shut-in and spend the afternoon visiting with them. Visit someone in the nursing home that has no one, and brighten their day. Bake some cookies and drop off at your local police station, fire station, or hospital and let them know that you are grateful for their service to the community. If someone says Merry Christmas to you, and you are offended, just walk on by and leave that person with the sense of spreading the true meaning of the season.
Our team has had the pleasure of seeing just how blessed we truly are, by spending time with those that definitely have very little. We struggle to fundraise in these hard times and often don't know how we will meet the goal for the next trip. But struggle we do, because we believe that this is our part of God's plan. That reaching out to those in need helps us to walk a path that has been laid out for us, to help others in need, and to keep our eyes focused on the blessings we truly have in our lives. Not only with the family and friends but with the chance we have to help others. And by remembering that a baby is the true meaning of this holiday. The bright lights represent the star which shown over his crude cradle. The presents are for the gifts brought to the baby. And the love that radiates during this season is meant to be felt on every other day of the year. Our wish for all is that this love spreads from you to others, and that it grows and grows until everyone is embraced in the love of our Savior. And until everyone truly remembers the reason for the season. Merry Christmas to all!
