In the old classic ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer’; yep, I’m talking the 1964 clay-mation story about the misfit toys and skinny Santa. Santa declares that they will have to call off Christmas. “And the children have been so good this year,” he says. Now, think back, way back, to when you were young. Dates didn’t matter; times were obsolete. All that was important was what was going on RIGHT NOW.
Christmas is like that. Especially for children. Recently a friend posted on facebook, “FYI (for your information): The Christmas season didn’t end on Christmas day.” I was taken back at how simple yet powerful this statement is.
Who says Christmas has to be celebrated on December 25th? Why is it that we feel extra generous only in December, when it is the season to give? Who says that January can’t be just as special as December; when really, they are only separated by 2 seconds. Why does that spirit seem to break down December 26th – once the presents have been opened, the ham you worked so hard on is now a leftover in someones fridge, and the tree just really isn’t as magical now that it is bare underneath.
When would there ever be a time to ‘cancel’ Christmas?
We get caught up in the ‘holiday season’ and feel the need to break the bank trying to give, give, give. But if you are giving just because ‘you have to’ then who are you really benefiting? Where is the line between need and want?
It is wonderful to give, truly! But when that person on your list can’t really come up with something they need can’t we find a better way to spend that $40?
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
God gave us the best gift any of us could ask for, how can we repay such a grand present?
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
LOVE one another, LOVE God. Giving gifts is one of the greatest ways to show love. But not all gifts come in the form of money.
And Christmas NEVER ends. Give all year, give your time, your talent, a smile or warm touch to someone that is hurting. Charities don’t just need help in December. They help all year, and we can too.
Pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for all that you have given to us. Help us to use our abundance to help those with less. Walk with us as we discover all the ways we can spread your love.
Amen.
