So it's Christmas time. Due to the stress of finals, I wasn't really into the Christmas spirit. (And at the time of writing, I still am not really even thought there is only a week before that special day.) I am practically cringing as I listen to Christmas songs on the radio. I got mad at the snow when it coated the ground. And the lights don't seem to make my life brighter. But there is one thing that I am all in about: giving.
Yep, I know it sounds crazy that I am not in the Christmas spirit but am so wanting to give to people. But that's the truth. I have been planning my Christmas gifts months in advance (I am not sure how long in advance I have though). I went to LifeWay and got a ton of presents, then was overjoyed to see that I could purchase one box of Christmas cards and get another box for free!
What is it about Christmas (and birthdays) that inspires me to give? I really have no idea. Is it because I Love people so much that I want to show them my appreciation? Is it because God has blessed me so much and I want to bless others? Is it my gift of encouragement being utilized by the Holy Spirit? Maybe all. Maybe more.
I truly don't know. All I do know is that I love to give.
I do see how giving is kinda become a "bah-humbug" thing today. For some reason, I kinda see it looked down upon at times. I mean, I see people complaining about it at times, then companies take that to create commercials for whatever they wanna promote.
I have a question.
WHY???
I don't get it.
What is it about giving that is so "meh"?
I find giving to be an awesome opportunity to show my love. I find it an amazing opportunity to bless people.
There's something about giving that makes me really happy. I love seeing the excitement that the recipient has on his or her face. How they dig into the present. How they look upon the contents in excitement. How they either look up and smile at me and say "Thank you" or how they jump up to give me a hug. (Though I would prefer the hug.)
We tie giving in back with the Wise Men and what Jesus did on the cross. That is what started the Christmas giving tradition. And I love that aspect of Christmas. Giving takes time, money, and effort. That is what makes giving so special.
I know by the time you are reading this, you probably have finished your Christmas shopping. But I hope you did it with joy. (Now this is reminding me of a blog post I wrote years ago.)
But I hope this will inspire us to give even when it is not Christmas. And when it's not someone's birthday. I hope we will be giving of ourselves everyday, wanting and willing to serve others. This is something I am learning and maturing in. Everything is a process and I am willing to learn.
So, Lord, please help us to be more willing to give of ourselves to other people and have a joyful heart in doing so. Please open our eyes to the needs of other people.
In addition, I do want to thank you for thinking of us and wanting the best for us when you sent your Son to this earth. Thank you so much!
The rest of you, have a Merry Christmas!
What is it about Christmas (and birthdays) that inspires me to give? I really have no idea. Is it because I Love people so much that I want to show them my appreciation? Is it because God has blessed me so much and I want to bless others? Is it my gift of encouragement being utilized by the Holy Spirit? Maybe all. Maybe more.
I truly don't know. All I do know is that I love to give.
I do see how giving is kinda become a "bah-humbug" thing today. For some reason, I kinda see it looked down upon at times. I mean, I see people complaining about it at times, then companies take that to create commercials for whatever they wanna promote.
I have a question.
WHY???
I don't get it.
What is it about giving that is so "meh"?
I find giving to be an awesome opportunity to show my love. I find it an amazing opportunity to bless people.
There's something about giving that makes me really happy. I love seeing the excitement that the recipient has on his or her face. How they dig into the present. How they look upon the contents in excitement. How they either look up and smile at me and say "Thank you" or how they jump up to give me a hug. (Though I would prefer the hug.)
We tie giving in back with the Wise Men and what Jesus did on the cross. That is what started the Christmas giving tradition. And I love that aspect of Christmas. Giving takes time, money, and effort. That is what makes giving so special.
I know by the time you are reading this, you probably have finished your Christmas shopping. But I hope you did it with joy. (Now this is reminding me of a blog post I wrote years ago.)
But I hope this will inspire us to give even when it is not Christmas. And when it's not someone's birthday. I hope we will be giving of ourselves everyday, wanting and willing to serve others. This is something I am learning and maturing in. Everything is a process and I am willing to learn.
So, Lord, please help us to be more willing to give of ourselves to other people and have a joyful heart in doing so. Please open our eyes to the needs of other people.
In addition, I do want to thank you for thinking of us and wanting the best for us when you sent your Son to this earth. Thank you so much!
The rest of you, have a Merry Christmas!
