The Greatest Gift

Scripture: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

As Christmas approaches, I look at the world around me with fresh, new eyes. The state of the economy, high unemployment rates and foreclosure percentages piping in from the news. And yet Christmas advertising remains relentless with sales heralding "Black Friday", "Cyber Monday", don't miss the latest!

I have had to live extremely frugally for quite some time now, and these commercials, billboards, mailings and signs in windows are all like "background noise" to me anymore. But I don't listen or read with feelings of wistfulness, feeling as though I was missing anything, but instead, it has forced me to really think about the meaning of Christmas. My preparations used to start months in advance with lists of who to buy Christmas cards for, and gift lists, and which stores to go to for certain gifts. I'd then bring home all the booty, emptying all the bags on the floor and arranging piles in order of friends, family, in state and out of state.

This year, even my roommmate and I have decided not to buy each other gifts. There are a lot of people today in the same boat as I am. But my focus has been on what Christmas giving really means, or should mean. I received a forwarded email this week that I will publish next week. It's a long, but beautiful story about a young man who learns from his father The True Meaning of Christmas. I wish Christmas could mean looking around and giving to those in need. The widows, the children, the homeless and desperate. Single moms, the unemployed, those losing their homes, the sickly and marginalized.

Many of us complain about the "commercialism of Christmas" but our cries are lost in the roar of advertising everywhere we look.

Those who have the way and means, and are able to give abundantly, that's awesome. I'm not down on gift giving, so please don't take this blog all wrong. But the Spirit of giving is lost as we are bombarded by ads beginning in November.

My gift list is small and meager, and my friends and family understand. But whatever I give this year, it's about where my heart is, and the place they hold in my life that I value most. I can't give to all, and those who don't receive so much as a card understand my plight. But most of my friends share one thing: Jesus. It's no joke intended when I say I feel like the boy in the song, "Little Drummer Boy" this year. "Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum / I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum / I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum / That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum / Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum / On my drum?"

I am blessed abundantly by the Lord in my state of need. He has provided for me in ways unexplainable as I look for work. I have a roof over my head, food in the cupboards, a truck to drive, and I'm blessed with friends and family. But I ache for those who are in more desperate need than I am, and how much I would help if I had the means.

I started out this blog with John 3:16. For God gave us a gift that is beyond comprehension. We celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th. A gift that can never be repaid. A gift given freely to all who will accept. There is no earning it, there are no strings attached, a gift given freely in the form of a little baby Boy who would change the world during His 33 years on earth.

As you, who are able, enjoy these Holy Days, buying gifts for your loved ones, taking joy with you and yours in wrapping and giving, don't forget Who we celebrate on this Christian High Holy Day, December 25th.

God bless you all!!

Prayer request: For a fun and safe holiday. That we can all remember the birth of Jesus in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the season.

Prayer: Lord, as we gather together during this Christmas holiday, help us to remember why we celebrate. We give thanks and praise for Who You are and what You have done for us. Amen