Experiencing Christmas Presence Instead of Presents

I have had the fortunate insight to see Christmas for what it should be, giving. Giving to those who are around us and hurting. This Christmas isn't about elaborate dinners or more presents for those that have more than enough, it's about extending ourselves to those in need. Families that are hanging on by a thread, but don't ask for anything, people out of work that we can help with a meal or two or a grocery gift card, a lonely person this Christmas that doesn't have a family Christmas to attend. Let's open ourselves up, step outside of our comfort zones and show the world what Christmas really means, let's be the hands, feet and smiles full of love for those that need to see it the most.

This is what Jesus meant when He came into the world to save us all from sin, it was a gift undeserved but desperately needed. Even though we didn't ask for it, God extended this to us gracefully filled with love. So this Christmas, please, extend yourselves to those in need around you. Guaranteed, there is someone out there with worse than you have it. Trust me!

God will return the favor too!

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,

for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

And again a reminder from Jesus in Matthew 25: 34-40

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

I say it's time to practice what we know and start getting out there and helping. Isn't that what the real spirit of Christmas is all about?

Are YOU ready for Christmas?

Hard to imagine what most people would think if they didn't understand what Christmas was all about, what the real meaning was behind it all?

If you were to take someone who had no knowledge whatsoever of what Christmas was and had them pass through a local mall, what might they think Christmas was about? Think about it for a minute, you're heading into a very over crowded parking lot filled more than usually. People are racing around in cars trying to rush into whatever space they find available. It's very competitive, so if you don't watch out, you may even lose the one you've been eyening or possibly engage in a verbal war of sorts with the driver of the car that believes you just stole his spot.

Now enter the mall doors where it's filled with busy shoppers rushing around with packages from all kinds of store. Each store front has sales signs designed to entice the shoppers that they have exactly what you're looking for and at the lowest prices anywhere. It seems the goal is to buy as much as you can. Overhead music streams from the speakers overhead telling you that Santa Claus is Coming to town between banners wishing you a Happy Holiday and Season's Greetings!

In the center of the mall there is an elderly man with white beard and a red suit posing for pictures with children dressed in their very best. Another person is offering the parents the opportunity to purchase those pictures. Babies are crying and it generally seems most people are too busy to even smile at a passing stranger. So just what kind of meaning really lies behind Christmas? Even the clerks and cashiers keep asking each person, "Are YOU ready for Christmas yet?"

I am passing along a poem I found today in an email I receive that should explain what it really means. I hope you enjoy it.

“Ready for Christmas,” she said with a sigh
As she gave a last touch to the gifts piled high…
Then wearily sat for a moment and read,
Til soon, very soon, she was nodding her head.
Then quietly spoke a voice in her dream,
“Ready for Christmas, what do you mean?”
She woke with a start and a cry of despair.
“There’s so little time and I’ve still to prepare.
Oh, Father! Forgive me, I see what You mean!
To be ready means more than a house swept clean.
Yes, more than the giving of gifts and a tree.
It’s the heart swept clean that He wanted to see,
A heart that is free from bitterness and sin.”
So be ready for Christmas - and ready for Him.

So as you can see, the real meaning behind Christmas should be more about the stuff we need to do and instead reflect on the gift God bestowed upon us all that Christmas so long ago. He gave the ultimate gift. The gift of His son, through His salvation, we receive an eternal life earned merely by the grace of God alone and not by anything we do. Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas!

By the way, in keeping with the theme of Susan's Photo Challenge for Day 7, " A Wreath With A Red Bow," this is my wreath own our front door, wishing you all a Merry Christmas!