“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus …” Colossians 3:17

On Saturday, Mom and I went to view the nativities at The Mission of Tucumcari, which was once the old Episcopal church. A peace fell over me as I walked through the doors as harp music filled the air. The largest nativity was at the altar where we left our offerings of food for the Ministry of Hope. How wonderful our Lord is and I wanted to shout out my gratitude to him for all he has done. In that humble building, in which many have voiced their prayers over the years, I felt the spirit of Christmas.

Each one of the nativities was different in both size and ethnicity. Some were handmade and even those that were mass produced were designed by someone. Each one represented someone’s view of the birth of Jesus.

Some featured Jesus, Mary and Joseph while others included wise men, animals, and shepherds. I thought how amazing it is that no matter how we may see Jesus in different ways, he is still offering each of us a personal relationship, custom-made for each and every one of us.

It is interesting to note how much Christmas has changed over the years. The season grew to include so many activities that the Christ child was left out. So many are concentrating on finding the perfect gift that they fail to ponder and reflect on the birth of Jesus. Now I am not opposed to buying gifts, but why wait to give a person a gift? One of the best gifts you can give is yourself.

I received an e-mail this week written about a man named Jack. He found out that the old man who lived next to him when he was a child had died.

Growing up, the man taught Jack many things, and now that Jack was out on his own he had lost touch. Jack’s mom told how the old man loved to reminisce about time spent with Jack. You see, the man had no children and few relatives.

Later, Jack received a package in the mail. He recognized the box as the one the old man said held his most valuable possession. The box contained a pocket watch, but that wasn’t the valuable gift, because inside the case of the watch was the inscription, “Thanks for your time”.

Time is valuable because once it is gone, it can never be replaced. In my own life I am so blessed and thankful to have my mom now living in Tucumcari. Like our visit on Saturday, the time we spend doing things together and sharing our faith is priceless to both of us.

Before the holidays get away from you, take time to reflect on why we celebrate Christmas and give him thanks. After that, go find someone to spend time with. You never know how it will affect someone’s life. The gift of you is the best present of all.

Debra Whittington is a longtime resident of Tucumcari. Contact her at: dawhittington@msn.com