Christmas Is Just the Beginning

 

 “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’”  –Luke 2:10

For most children, Christmas is all about the presents. Specifically, it’s about getting presents.

As we mature our perspective changes. We still enjoy receiving gifts; we appreciate the thoughtfulness behind them even more. We know, too, that a gift isn’t always something. It could be a favor done, a visit, or an experience shared. Also, accepting a gift of any sort from someone is a gift to that person.

Above all, when we’ve outgrown our childish self-centeredness, we feel great joy and excitement in the giving of gifts. We love to see another person’s eyes light up when they unwrap something we’ve chosen for them. 

“But wait,” a child might say. “You don’t get anything from giving! You spent your time, your energy, and your own money on those presents. How can giving something away make you happy?”

We would answer, ‘we feel that way because God created us that way.’ Christ came to earth as a helpless baby Who was dependent on the love of others to care for Him. When He grew up, He taught us His humble Way of Love so that, by imitating Him, we could find true joy. 

In other words, the day Jesus was born was just the beginning.

What Christ teaches us – what God-With-Us teaches us – is that when we give more, we receive more. We learn that loving others with humility – by giving away our gifts, talents, time, energy, and finances – allows us to experience His joy and His peace. These go deeper than the superficial happiness we feel when we take everything for ourselves. 

The notion that giving will bring us joy goes against what most of modern society tells us. We hear from the rest of the world that getting a new anything will make us happy, that being successful means having more, that getting what we want shows we’re important and powerful, and that all those things will fulfill us. However, we know from painful experience that all of that only makes us want more, and none of it brings us the true Joy and Peace we’re seeking.

Reject the empty promises of our society and, instead, carry the lessons of Christmas with you through the coming year: Give more than you take. Go out of your way to lend a hand, and do so gladly. Offer before being asked. Open your heart and your wallet to those who can’t pay you back. Consider what others need more than what you want. 

Let Christmas be your starting point. Remember, it is in giving that you receive. Give of yourself and make room in your heart to receive the joy and peace that the world cannot give. 

“Lord, You created me for love. Help me to give every day, not just on Christmas Day.”

Thank you for reading my reflection. © 2022 Gina Bedell     Comments are always welcome! 

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p.s.

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