Presents!...

 I want to write about Christmas cookies and decorations, that seems like the big thing on my mind lately. I actually don't want to deal with even thinking about buying presents and the stress that comes with being able to afford them ( even the small amount we will buy ) I really desire to write about the Savior coming to the earth as a baby to pay the price for all humanities sins. But I so easily get caught up in all that happens around me with this time of year. As a child I had a big problem with getting expectations way too high. I see that in a child of mine now. To be honest I don't think it has changed too much. The realisation of what often really happens with what I hope for has taught me too see how my hopes don't always become a reality. There is this ingrained feeling in me though, that makes me not want to miss out on all the world portrays of what really brings happiness. Its so easy to be side tracked (for me anyways). The part of me that has leaned so much, thanks to my gracious Lord makes me want to have the feelings of being truly faithful to my beliefs. But the selfish, sometimes ignorant part thinks all the world has to offer is so much more fulfilling.
I, with all honesty hate the commercialism of Christmas. I believe if it weren't for all that hoopla (yes I said hoopla) going on around us, it would make it easier to stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas. Lets face it, Satan's job is a lot much easier these days. Most of the world is happy with doing his job.
 So I started thinking about the first Christmas more deeply. The song of the drummer boy came to mind (I know this is not a historical fact) and how all he had was a song to play for the Christ child. The kings came to bring one gift each. All that they had? I don't know. But they gave what they knew as being very precious. What did the shepherds offer? Their presence.
 What can we do, that means more then anything we could give? How about accepting a gift. Presence from the Father. His Son. He is even wrapped...in swaddling cloths.
 God wants us to un-wrap and share this gift. The gift of our time, or presence in others lives in love through Him.
Well with age I have been slowly slowly been enlightened with these truths through the Lords gentle guidance. Of course its usually, like most learning experiences...two steps forward, one step back. But I trust in the Lord that true faith in Him, will bring me closer to Him. And that is the ultimate blessing. Being able to be in Gods presence!

 

 

 

Please don't get me wrong though. I don't believe giving material gifts to show love is wrong. Or that decorating and baking in celebration is a sign of disrespect to the Lord. Its when that is our main focus, to the point of that being all that is reflected in your Christmas.

It all comes down to what your priorities are, what you consider most desirable.

My prayer for this Christmas: to put off my old self, which belongs to my former manner of life and is corrupted through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of my mind and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22)...through receiving Christ's gift.



Gift Giving - Values Shift

Here is a reminder to myself and any one else that can relate...

Sometimes when your expectations are let down, what does it matter when life's surprises cover the multiple times in between?

There has been many times in the past when it comes to birthdays, Mothers Day, etc. that I had hopes of certain gifts or gestures that really were brought on by what may have been displayed in ads. or movies or heard from others. Expectations get let down, and some how I feel that this represents the love others have for me (probably due to my "love language"). But no one is perfect, life is always up and down, and no one can read my mind! (the - ! - is for me). So I need to take this time of being appreciated by my family and let it soak in and sink into my mind.

I came home from a conference this past Sat. and was surprised with a candle lit dinner for myself along with a dozen roses, each bearing a note stuck into the roses. Each said something sweet about me or to me. I was overwhelmed by the unexpected gesture. I felt so loved and I thought what does it matter if I don't get anything else this upcoming Mothers Day and when I didn't get my wishes fulfilled the past ones, when I know my family loves me everyday and they show it at random times of the year.

You know what, I believe the tradition of spend spend spending $$ on calendar occasions is mostly built up by commercialism anyways. Its nice to receive gifts but hasn't it been taken too far, for most of the holidays?

Its so hard to find anything that would be appropriate these days, because mostly everyone has everything they want!

The most reluctant gift most are willing to give is time.

I challenge myself and you to make that change. Give your time out of love instead of some stores merchandise, and see what happens.