The Gift of Christmas
Christmas Eve is this week and I hope despite that you are reading this, you are enjoying this special time with your friends or family.
A friend of mine recently shared his “short list” for those things he was thankful for. It began with Jesus who loves him in spite of him, his wife who loves him just because, his boys because they have to, his family because they do, and friends who love him for who he is not what he does.
His list makes me smile even now. It suggests love on so many different levels. Jesus, whose birth we are celebrating, has loved us since time began and became the ultimate sacrifice. Our spouses love us, even though they know us and are willing to spend every day rejoicing in the good and dealing with the bad. Our children love us as parents, even though as teenagers they seldom understand us. Our family loves us because we are indeed family, even if feathers get ruffled from time to time, and truces are usually formed during special celebrations during the year, like now, at Christmas. And our friends love us because they choose to look beyond our flaws and accept us just the way we are!
Many of us are going through trials on different levels. It may be something like cancer or other health issue, the loss of a loved one, divorce, job loss, or any number of issues. When we can rely on those who love us, however, we can weather the storm and know that eventually we will see a rainbow.
Sharing our love, despite circumstances can come in different forms. Sometimes it’s not a ‘health issue’ in the sense most think about, but rather, a disability that is indeed health related, but goes beyond that idea in a dozen different directions. As you celebrate, remember that those who have disabilities may have need to celebrate just a little different, and sometimes children need extra consideration, as well, especially since they are often unable to grasp what’s going on and why they are different.
Everyday should be Christmas in our heart. Then, even on those days when those who are near us, see us display less than stellar behavior, we love anyway. A good friend said the past few weeks have been very stressful with surgery for her daughter, an emergency room visit with her dad and work. The schedule has left her exhausted and in her words, “contrary!” Her husband looked at her one night and asked, “What have you done with my wife?” Still he loved her. In fact, loving during those times when those we love aren’t at their best is our best demonstration of love. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about; loving unconditionally? Isn’t that why we celebrate the Christ Child?
I encourage you this next week, to love unconditionally. Love with your whole heart. Love begets love, which is best seen in the Christ Child, the gift of Christmas. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/search/christmas/