"When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn’t get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders." (2:2)
We decided years ago to cut way back on Christmas gifts. It was easy to work out since there were four of us, so each would receive three gifts, going off the three gifts Christ listed from the Wise Men. Just the number, not the actual gifts - couldn't afford those!!
Another thing we did, each of us would pick out a person/persons we didn't spend much time with, bake cookies together, deliver and visit. There were some who thought we were depriving our sons, but I am thankful we did it. Christmas was becoming too much about the world of retail and not the birth of our Savior in our home. Each year, Curt has read the Christmas story from Luke, we then have a prayer circle, tell what we are thankful for the past year and then open our gifts. This was just the way we decided to celebrate His birth and for our family - it worked/works.
I love these verses - particularly the part about not getting "caught up in making deals at the marketplace". The marketplace - it hasn't a care about Christ birth, how much debt you will be accumulating, how empty you'll feel after the moment of unwrapping has passed. There is only one gift which is able to cause you to feel like celebrating every moment - no matter the circumstances - for the rest of your life. It is the gift of our Savior. It is a gift paid in full. How many are on your Christmas gift list to give the True Gift of Life? I am praying you don't get caught up in the world's way of celebrating, but "concentrate on carrying out orders" - ABBA's orders. Be a deliverer to those who need The True Gift of Christmas. Every day - as you live - not just at Christmas time.
No comments:
Post a Comment