What is the first thing you hear about when we enter the Christmas season? SALES!
Retailers start WELL before December 1 telling us what we should want and that if we don't receive these gifts, then the holiday is ruined. But, is that really what Christmas is all about? About receiving the perfect gift under the tree?
Don't get me wrong. Giving gifts or exchanging gifts during the
Christmas season can be a wonderful experience and it can have lasting
memories. I can still remember some of the gifts that I received and how
meaningful they were to me. Gift giving does bring joy to the recipient and
hopefully also to the giver.
However, remember the most important gift is the gift of LOVE. Whether you give 100 presents this year or none at all, the simple act of love toward a friend (or even a stranger) can carry an impact well beyond the Christmas season. If you have
nothing but love to give you have given the best gift of all. We all need love, to be encouraged and accepted.
Christmas day a few years ago my husband
and I took turkey sandwiches and pop drinks to the poor and hungry in
Vancouver. The smiles, joy and gratitude that we saw on their faces in turn
blessed us and gave us joy! Since then we have made many a meal for the poor
and homeless in our hometown of Langley and have also helped the poor in other
countries such as Mexico. In fact, in the last
couple of years with our children we decided that we wanted to give to a
missionary family in Haiti. Believe me. My family and I have been FAR more blessed by this than any gift!
Not sure how you personally can give the gift of love this season? Here are a few ideas:
- Have someone over for coffee or a meal and listen to their stories.
- Give your clothes to someone in need.
- Be kind and thoughtful to those who may not be very pleasant to be around, especially during this busy season and in all the traffic.
- Pray for a hurting person or family
-Visit the elderly or those who are house bound.
Of all the gifts that we could give or receive this Christmas, the greatest gift of all is the gift of love that was given to us many years ago when the baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem in a stable. He grew into a man and it was God's plan for Him to give His life for us by dying on the cross for our sins so that we can have NEW LIFE!
This is the most amazing gift of love. John 3:16 says "FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE."
May we ponder on this "Gift of Love" that has come to us and how He desires nothing more for us than we would receive Him, love and accept Him into our lives. To have a relationship with Him is so important. He is Emmanuel-God with us! God created this world, He created the entire universe, He created the human race and He created you! You are special to Him and He loves you!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Jeannette
How do YOU share love during the holidays?
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