And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.- Philipians 4:19
Merry Christmas! I trust you are all keeping in mind the real reason for the season as we all scramble to finish up shopping and prepping! I have always loved Christmas and look forward to that exciting time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it always feels so magical! I remember how long it used to seem as a kid, waiting for Christmas to come.. it seemed like eons between the two Holidays.. boy does THAT change when you're an adult. Haha!
This year though, I'll admit I have been a little disconnected. I am not a lover of shopping.. spending money makes me feel ill and it also makes me feel guilty. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing my son's face light up when Christmas morning comes, or my husband get excited over a new gadget.. but in the back of my mind something is always pulling my thoughts to those suffering. I hate how Christmas has become so stressful, I hate that I know people are destroying themselves financially and sadly some times ending up taking tragic turns. Admittedly, this year is a first since our son has been born that we haven't had to turn to credit cards, or struggled to buy gifts.. but in a way for me it's been harder. I feel wrong for having a little extra, for finally catching a break and I ask myself "why?" We are hard and honest workers, we are God fearing and thankful for what we have, so why the guilt? Then I came to realize, it's no so much guilt.. it's compassion. It's having been through those hard times, having walked across the hot coals. It's that still small voice saying "remember me". It's God reminding me where I have been, and why I am where I am today and giving me ways to help others in the place I once was.
I heard of a friend who helped another and she described the look of children's faces as they tore through boxes of shampoo and food with joy. It was not so long ago my family and I were there. It's foreign to some how much joy a simple box of essentials can bring to those in need. Just this past summer we had about $15.00 to feed our family of 3, for 2 weeks. It was that week I walked in to our hallway to find a big white box sent from my husband's co-worker, full of meats and wept in thanksgiving. God carried us, it wasn't an easy time by any means.. but some how our needs were always met.
Isn't that always like our God?
He supplies all we need. However, I don't think He ever intends us to have MORE than we need, and I think a lot of us desire that at times. He gives unto us, so that we can give unto others. He blesses us with gifts whether it be financially, spiritually, intellectually.. so that we may in turn bless others. THIS IS AN AMAZING GIFT! He wants us to share in His EXCITEMENT and JOY.. what else would these feelings be described as but heavenly? He gave the ultimate gift, His son and in that alone we should be overjoyed! We spread a little glimpse of that joy, in that same attitude of giving as He provides for us to give. This isn't limited to just Christmas, or just gifts. All year long we have the gift of giving hope and love; the simple things, the essentials. If your gift is encouragement, give it.. if you are given financial blessings, bless others.. or if the only possession you have is time, give it. WHY? Because God has blessed you with what you have, so that you can bless others.
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.- Luke 12:48
Blessings to you and yours this Christmas <><
