What is it that we want for Christmas? I can tell you that the list I received from my Children are lengthy at best! Do we want slippers, perfume, tools, a new car - or maybe an IPhone, a Macbook, or all of the above?? It seems like we are never at a loss for something we would love to have. Toys or tools, needs or wants, want....want....want.....
As I sit at my computer, with the Holiday music channel in the background, I think about the season and I think about how we have arrived at what we all have adopted as "tradition" for Christmas. I listened to our Pastor last Sunday and the Christmas story is not new to most of us. I did learn something new, that helped me tie in the gifts that the Wise Men brought to baby Jesus - the reason we now share gifts at the season. I found that the Wise Men's gifts had spiritual meaning: gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of priestship, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death. At Jesus' birth, the Wisemen's gifts gave an insight to His life as a human. I never want to miss the TRUE meaning to the reason we do all that we do for Christmas. I don't ever want the story to become extinct and replaced with the "build the retail economy" story. I always want to remind myself and my family and friends that Jesus is the reason for the Season.
As a Mother, I have to admit that I do get caught up in the Spirit of Christmas - the Santa theory, the warm-fuzzy feeling of comfort and happiness. Especially as my happiness now, as a Mother, far exceeds that of my childhood. It is amazing the joy my heart receives as I watch the expressions of my kids faces as they open their presents. I have that deep ingrained desire to meet the needs and wants of my children - all the while trying not to spoil them to the core. We have felt the consequences of the economy, just like everyone else in the world - but children don't have any concept of economy or how it affects families or the "gifting budget." (Whatever that is...lol) Besides that....Santa makes everything - why do we have to worry about the cost??? (I've heard that one this year!!)
I am sad to admit, that a little of my Holiday cheer has waned due to the unknown economic situation and I am sad to admit that the shallowness of how that sounds - is not because I don't KNOW that this economy or present conditions is out of my hands..I KNOW it lies at the foot of the Cross - where Jesus has taken care of it all.
Should the economy, whether good or bad, affect our Holiday Spirit? I guess it depends on what we hold as valuable and precious. I have re-grouped my thoughts and have decided that the Spirit of giving is not just monetary presents that eventually break or wear out or become quickly obsolete. The Spirit of Giving should live in me all year round and I should be giving of myself on a daily basis to people who mean the world to me.
What is that all supposed to mean? I was inspired by a quote on my friend, Ilona's Facebook wall...it was a quote by Oren Arnold
Some suggestions for Christmas Gifts...How wealthy we truly are: To your enemy - give forgiveness, to your Opponent - give Tolerance, to your Friend - give your heart, to your customer - give them excellent service, to your children - give them a good example, to yourself - give respect, and to ALL - give charity.Does this mean that we are "off the hook" for Holiday crowds? Not entirely - but I do believe that we need to stay true to budgets and give of ourselves more than our money.
The inherit nature of man is the need for love, peace, security, and acceptance. No matter if you are a child or an adult - we ALL want to be accepted by others, want to be respected by our friends, family and peers. We NEED others, we NEED support and encouragement. I am so disheartened by parents and spouses that confuse emotional needs for materialistic needs. A parent may buy their children any and everything that their hearts desire - but that child may NEVER know that their parents LOVE them. We live in this type of society - especially in the economic crisis we have on our hands now. Parents are having to work more out of necessity and spending less and less time with their children - when they need them the most. May we NEVER substitute our love and acceptance that are due our children for a Computer or other Materialist measures. Once again, our children NEED love, peace, security and acceptance - if they don't get it from their Parents, they will get it from someone or something else. Let's not let this happen to our families.
Remember, smile to the Cashier in the long checkout line....he/she has probably had a long day. Compliment someone on something each day - whether or not it is deserving. Take time to listen to stories your Children tell you - even if you don't have time. Invite friends over for dinner - get reacquainted. Give people a little "you", for this is the only gift that never gets boring or obsolete!!
To bring this full circle in closing, My heartfelt wishes to each one of you - because it is YOU that is priceless and have gifts that keep giving. Merry Christmas and I hope that underneath all of the fun (and necessary) gift giving, that we all find exactly what it is we long for and that the Lord will Bless you beyond your comprehension in the New Year.
Until Next Time!! Merry Christmas!
Trisha
Dearest Trisha~ this is a beautiful post and great reminders. We get so caught up in our own problems and the material world. Blessings to you for a wonderful Holiday season and thank you for this inspiring post.
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