What is the point of Christmas? Why do we put up a tree, decorate it, put up lights? Why do we have a couple dozen “holiday” parties and give gifts? We do we cause ourselves to go crazy busy and listen to months of Christmas music?
I love Christmas time. I like snow and the lights and the tree. Hot Chocolate, friends, and gifts. But too often we lose the meaning, the gift of Christmas. God has given us the ultimate gift: His son. Yeah, I know you are heard that a million times being an American, especially during this time of year. Even secular radio stations play nothing but Christmas music that many talk about Jesus and him coming to save the world. But do we actually take time and think and ponder why we celebrate Christmas? Why is the biggest part of Christmas giving gifts and spending time with family?
God sent His son, Jesus, fully God, fully human to show himself to us and to save us. It is hard to comprehend or even fathom. "For unto us a child is born." (Isaiah 9:6) "For God loves us so much that he sent his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16) For God give to us the ultimate gift, we are to give back to Him and to others. The problem for me is that we just give gifts to give and give and get and get. We are driven by commericalism and consumerism and figuring out what to give to that person who has everything. We are to notice the need around us. The hungry. The sick. The brokenhearted. When we help them, we show our love for God and to God. (Matt. 25:34-40 and James 1:27)
I too often don't notice. I just go about my day and don't see what is going on around me. A lot of the time, I am too selfish to what to take the time or resources to help. I want and need to be the Good Samaritan that helped out the Jew even though everyone else walked on by. Sometimes God clearly points out a way to help others and I blow it. That happened on Sunday. Jennifer and I were leaving the Natalie Grant concert early for we were tired. A young lady in her 20s came out and asked us about one of her songs "Held" She told us that her brother died this past year in a car accident. We told her we were sorry and talked with her a little, but we wanted to go. I realize now, later, after the fact, that God was wanting me to talk with her more and buy the CD with that song for her, but I was unaware. I wasn't listening. I didn't have my eyes open for how God wanted me to help others around me.
I need to have God's eyes to see the hurt around me. I need to surrender to him & follow him where he will lead. I pray that next opportunity I get, I won't be selfish and just want to do what I want to do, but what God wants for my life.
My name is Michael and I am a selfaholic.
Some Links in reference to this:
Brandon Heath's song "Give me Your Eyes"
Dave Ramsey Show on Giving (Stream of the 3 hour show on 12/19)
Grace Point Church 12/21 message by Mike McDaniel on "The Gift of Christmas"