Month: December 2022

At this time of year, “gifts” seem to be the prevalent topic of conversation.  Gifts are the theme of almost all advertising these days. So consequently, gifts are on everyone’s mind.  So, it should be no surprise that I want to talk about gifts. 😊  The dictionary defines the word “gift” as, “a thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present:”

Often young children only think of gifts as the presents they receive, especially at Christmastime.  Perhaps they sat on Santa’s lap and told him all the things they wanted for Christmas.  And then anxiously awaited Christmas morning to see if he brought them what they asked for.  Their anticipation of Christmas and the activities of the day center around those presents. 

As children get a little older, they start to learn the joy of giving gifts.  When I was in elementary school, the school would set up a special section of the gym that kids could go in without parents to buy presents for their families.  Store owners would donate merchandise, the school would sell things at lower-than-retail price, the proceeds would benefit the school, and it was a good deal for families.   Win-win-win!

I remember my mom giving me money and how grown-up I felt going into Santa’s gift shop by myself.  His helpers would guide me in my diligent quest for the best presents.  I can’t say that I remember everything that I got for my mom each Christmas, but I can remember being happy when she liked her gift.  Thinking back, I’m sure that most of her enthusiasm was for my benefit, but she was happy just because I wanted to give her something, and that made me happy. 

As children continue to grow, they learn even more about the joy of giving.  They may start working so they have their own money to buy gifts.  One of my favorite things in the whole world has always been finding ‘the perfect gift’ for someone.  I’m as excited for them to open their gifts as I was as a kid opening my own. 

The dynamic of gift giving changes when we become parents.  We endeavor to see our children as happy as we were when we were kids.  We want them to experience the thrill and excitement that we felt.  We may relive our childhood Christmases through them.  In this process, we gain more appreciation for what our parents did for us; and we realize that we are the happiest when our kids are happy.

But…  presents are only one kind of gift we can give.  There are many gifts we can give that may mean more or benefit more than a physical gift. 

One such gift that comes to mind is a helping hand.  If someone is having a hard time, a helping hand could mean a lot more to them than a present.  Helping to carry someone’s burden; pitching in when they are overwhelmed; or surprising them with a considerate gesture are all things that can be “given willingly to someone without payment”.  What’s the worth of a shoulder to cry on or the assistance received when you couldn’t do it by yourself?  Those actions often demonstrate generosity more wonderfully than buying a present.  Being willing to give our time and energy can mean the world to someone in need. 

I would like to interject here that in addition to helping someone in need, our time and energy can also be demonstrated by handmade gifts. There is something so special about receiving a homemade gift. They are not only unique one-of-a-kind items, but they also represent the giver’s heart and that makes us feel special.

Another gift we can give is a kind word.  Have you ever been really troubled, and someone comes along and says just the right words to get you through?  Words can make (or break) someone’s day.  Words can heal, help, restore, inspire, or deliver someone.  Think of how much a genuine compliment means to our soul.  No matter what frame of mind we are in, a compliment makes us feel good.  How about a word of thanks?  Don’t we all like to know that we are appreciated?  Friendships are built on words.  Marriages thrive with words.  Souls connect via words.  Words are easy to give.  It only takes a little forethought before we speak to say something that will really uplift someone.   Words don’t cost us a dime and can mean so much to the hearer. 

Giving presents is a thoughtful act.  It makes people happy.  Kind words and helpful hands can be delightful gifts that bless others.  But of all the gifts that anyone could ever receive, nothing compares to the gift of salvation that God gave to us.  Being born again with holy spirit inside – Christ in us; and knowing that we have eternal life is more precious than a trillion of the most expensive presents in the world.  God’s acts of kindness far exceed the kindest thing that we could do. And the kindest words that we can speak come straight from God’s matchless Word of life.  His words bring peace and joy. 

Could a new car, even a Lamborghini rival having God Almighty as our Father and His son Jesus Christ as our brother?  How about a mansion?  The biggest mansion on earth can’t compare to the home that’s prepared for us in heaven! 

 So, it seems to me that the best part of gifts is the giving.  It’s wonderful to receive gifts, we all like it.  But there is so much satisfaction in the act of giving that it in and of itself is a gift to us.    Enjoy your Christmas celebration.  Give presents, speak kindly, help out wherever needed.  Embrace the joy of giving and see what God will do for you. 

Note to my readers:  Merry Christmas!  Happy Holidays!  Feliz Navidad!   However you want to say it…  I’m sending my love to you and your family. 

The holiday season is upon us.  It seems that people have mixed emotions about this time of year.  Some love it, some hate it.  Some see it as a religious observance, others are into the commercial side of things.  Some even discount the whole ball of wax.  Most of us are somewhere in the middle.

So, I thought that I would share my opinion about the holidays.  Take note, however, that my opinion is simply that – my opinion.  It is not the only right way of thinking (for sure).  It is only my way of thinking.  It seems that we, as gregarious humans, are often interested in sharing our opinions and hearing the opinions of others because we like to know if our opinions agree.  And we are drawn to those with whom we share similar opinions.  But we must always remember that opinions are personal and individual.  They are formed by our experiences and the teaching that we’ve received.  Therefore, different does not necessarily mean wrong when the subject of our opinions is innocuous.  For example, in my opinion, vanilla ice cream is better than chocolate.  You may say, “That’s crazy.  Chocolate is the best.”  That difference of opinion does not affect our relationship, nor is one more right than the other. 

However, opinions can be right or wrong when the subject is of a critical nature.  It is difficult to have a relationship with someone whose opinions are completely opposite from ours regarding the important things in life because we have no common ground on which to meet.  These kinds of opinions involve truth or error.  If someone’s opinion is based on error, I cannot agree with it, nor should I.  It is the same if my opinion is based on error.  I don’t want someone to substantiate my error, I want someone to teach me the truth.  Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for these kinds of opposing opinions to battle.  Resolution can only be found when the standard of truth is agreed upon. 

After that little sidebar, here is what I think about the holidays…

Being Christian, of course the holiday season revolves around Christmas.  (I cannot speak to the other celebrations of the season.)  For me, the days preceding Christmas are spent preparing for it and the days afterward are spent recovering from it.  Preparations include decorating, shopping, wrapping, card writing and baking.  The celebration includes family, friends, traditions, eating and presents.  Recovery can extend well into January sometimes.  All of this may sound familiar to you, especially if you have young children. 

But here is where opinions diverge. 

There is debate among Biblical scholars whether December 25^th was actually the date of Jesus’ birth.  The Bible doesn’t clearly identify the date, but it does say that shepherds were abiding in the field keeping watch over their flocks on the night of Jesus’ birth.  Generally, the shepherds would not have been in the fields in Israel in December as it would have been too cold.  Also, the taxing that prompted Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem would have been counterproductive as travel could be difficult in December’s winter conditions, which might have prevented some from making the trip.  Piecing together historical data, there are indications that Jesus’ actual birth date is likely to be in early fall.  And I agree with this assessment. 

People have strong opinions regarding this information, though.  Some refute it all together and embrace the traditional teaching.   Others accept this information but feel that is hypocritical to celebrate December 25^th as Jesus’ birthday, and therefore they do not celebrate. 

My opinion is somewhere in between.  I don’t believe that Jesus was born on December 25^th.  But our society is totally geared toward that date.  I don’t think that society is going to change anytime soon, and currently it allots time for celebrating and promotes conversation about Jesus more than at other times of the year.  For that, I am thankful.  I recognize that most of the Christmas trimmings and traditions have little or nothing to do with Jesus’ birth, but they are things that make me happy – probably because of sweet memories from my childhood and from my children’s.  So, in my opinion, I recognize Jesus’ birth at this time of year, and I celebrate the holiday called ‘Christmas’ with my traditions and trimmings. 

This time of year provides us with extra opportunities to give and bless others; to enjoy the company of our family and friends; and to be thankful for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I very much enjoy gift-giving.  It thrills my heart to find the perfect gift and bless someone by giving it to them.  Many of my favorite memories are holiday celebrations with my family.  Lots of those were occasions of great laughter and much camaraderie.  And, although Jesus Christ is in my thoughts daily, it always blesses me to think about his birth and what that night must have been like for Mary and Joseph, and the shepherds.  I read and re-read the account in Luke chapter 2 frequently during the holiday season. 

Luke 2:7-20

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

No matter what your opinion is of the holiday season, I think we all can agree that the night of Jesus’ birth was a joyous occasion, worthy of much celebration.  I thank God every day that He so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten son so that we could be saved.  Could there be a better gift at any time – whether during the holiday season or not?? 

If you celebrate the holidays, enjoy!  If you choose not to celebrate, be at peace with your decision.  In either case, the Bible admonishes us to be fully persuaded in our own minds.  (Romans 14:5). Our difference of opinion in this matter need not impact our relationships as we can respect both sides as personal choices that we each are entitled to make. Whether we celebrate or not, doesn’t change the truth that Jesus Christ was born, that he lived and that he gave his life for us. On this, we can totally agree!!

Note to my readers:  Happy Holidays!  I sure love you.  Thanks for reading.