Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Religion Columnist
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift”! 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV)
The days until Christmas are growing closer and closer. Advent calendars have few days remaining until that glorious day. Newscasters are reporting about those last minute must-have techno gadgets to make your loved one happy. They can be yours for $500 or less! What a bargain! (Sarcasm implied)
Not everything for Christmas comes with a price tag. In recent days I was reminded that the greatest gifts don’t come from a store. They aren’t wrapped in packages with ribbons and bows. They came from the heart.
These Christmas gifts come from the man ringing the bell outside a store for the Salvation Army. They are the volunteers at the ministries for those in need. They are the people who gave up their Sunday afternoon nap to go to the nursing homes and other places to sing Christmas carols. They are the faithful who bake cakes and cookies to go into Christmas boxes. They are the ones who will deliver those boxes filled with goodies so a family can have a special Christmas dinner. They are the ones who make a visit, a phone call, or send a card to make someone’s day.
The Christmas spirit comes in all shapes and sizes and I find it sad to listen to people who can hardly wait for the season to be over. We hear how Christmas has become over commercialized. On the other hand, I know there are many businesses who rely on their Christmas sales to help them carry through the slow times. So, where does it all end?
Let’s take a moment to think about whose birthday we are celebrating. His birth and His name were prophesized in Isaiah 9:6: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”.
Before you start revving up your motors to get everything you think must be done before Christmas morning, stop and take a deep breath. Some things we think have to be accomplished aren’t really that important. How many homemade goodies do we really need? Do we need to buy just one more Christmas gift? What if we don’t make 10 assorted side dishes for Christmas dinner? Do those things really matter that much or do we expect it out of ourselves?
Take time now to decide what you are going to give to Jesus this Christmas. I already mentioned some things I have observed in the past month. There is something we can do that is a perfect fit for our interests and talents. Attend a Christmas program or Christmas Eve Service. Read a poem or story, play or sing a Christmas song for someone.
Christmas is not one size fits all and we should never try to force ourselves into a mold that isn’t for us. Instead, let us all find a way to keep Christmas in our hearts, bless and serve others, and thank and glorify God for His indescribable gift. Of course we could always join the praise of the angels by lifting our hands toward heaven and proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace good will toward men!” (Luke 2:14) Have a blessed Christmas!
Debra Whittington is a longtime resident of Tucumcari. Contact her at: [email protected]
