Christmas This Year
I always find myself smiling more in December. I simply like Christmas… though I will say, that it makes more sense to me to smile in cold weather Christmas than warm. It just doesn’t seem right, though I wasn’t complaining today as I was sorting out the lights outside in shorts and a t-shirt.
But as I sorted out the lights, there was an overwhelming question that stung me. “What will you do different this year?” You know, one thing that is interesting to me, is how we have made Christmas such a big deal, when there is no Biblical basis for celebrating it. Don’t get me wrong, the reason I smile is because I absolutely love it, but the Bible doesn’t say to celebrate Christmas.
It does tell us to celebrate passover, and other festivals of the Lord:
Exodus says: “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD–a lasting ordinance.” Yet most of us don’t celebrate that, but we sure like Christmas, with no Biblical directive.
Now I am not saying to stop celebrating, though I know some of you don’t, and others think that they are absolutely crazy for not. Yet they might be making the wise choice. But what I am saying, is that if we are to take a made up holiday, act like it is derived Biblically, and then make it so heavily about ourselves and our tight family unit, then we re missing the point. I have a change to propose.
What if Christmas became more about the gift of giving? Wait you say, it already is… but what if it was you giving to someone else, who does or does not deserve, but simply doesn’t have. More than they deserve, or don’t deserve to be given to, they simply don’t have. So obviously I am not talking about your spouse or children, they don’t count. I have already had some of that guilt, purchasing a present that I realized afterwards was not necessary… ooooh, but how they will smile and laugh!
So a few weeks ago I wrote about random acts of kindness, and now I am collecting from you for another one. I have a woman, who was the roommate that Laura lived with her last year of school, while getting her occupational therapy degree. This girl, has had some difficult times with a divorce and now the loss of her home and belongings from hurricane Sandy. So this week, we are going to be sending money, and an Ikea gift card to help her (single mom of two), get back on her feet.
If you have clothes for a boy or girl, size 5/6, that you would want to donate. I am willing to cover mailing them. If you would be willing to give anywhere from $5 to $500, I would appreciate it.
Simply write a check and record what it is for, or give some cash at the front desk. I will send it off soon, and write about the follow up.
You see, this Christmas is going to be special. My girls need to understand the true love of Christmas, and if we are going to claim this as a Biblical holiday, then I would surely want to involve LOVE! They are going to be witness to our efforts, and will bear some of the burden of this as I get them to find items that they love, that they will be asked to give. I know the outcome will be good.
Love all of you for your commitment to what matters! Be Well and Blessed – Dr E