A Christmas Wish

This is the season of giving.  There are so many homeless people who have no place to rest, nothing to eat but what they can find in a dumpster or a trash can.  People who have no one to care, or provide any sort of sustenance to them.  I have a fairly large family and even though part of us live in another state, we have love, good homes, food, clothing, and someone to care whether or not we enjoy the Holidays.  How grateful and thankful I am.  And for me, all these wonderful things are a direct gift from my Creator.  How grateful I am, that one cold winter night a little child was born in a manger long ago.  He had a Mother and a Father, the wise men bearing gifts, and the warm hay for a bed.  No bright shining Christmas tree, no tinsel, no beautiful gifts wrapped with loving care.  But He was the richest baby ever born because He had the love of His Heavenly Father, the stars of the universe for decorations, and the beautiful earth as His Christmas present. 

Have you been to the stores lately to shop for Christmas?  People crowded into narrow aisles to find gifts for their families?  The pushing and shoving and all the hurry to buy the last item on the shelf for a loved one?  I think maybe we have forgotten in our rush to purchase things, the true meaning of the season.  Yes, I know, you've heard all this before, but it bears repeating.  We have truly forgotten a little child's birthday.  The Savior of the world had little in the way of material possessions.  He didn't come for that.  He didn't come to celebrate with twinkling lights, tinsel, and garland.  He came for you and for me. To teach us, guide us, heal us, nurture us, and leave us a legacy that will last through all Eternity.  He came to give us life and light and the abundant life.  Life, abundant with His powerful love and His light.  A light to light our way on this earthly path.

We have 7 grandchildren, 4 of whom live not far from us.  One of them, a sweet, carefree child, always wants the biggest present, the biggest piece of chicken for dinner, the glass with the most soda, and the biggest candy bar.  She is willing to share, of course, but it seemed to us she needed a little guidance.  So, one year my daughter came up with what we thought would be an enlightenment for our little granddaughter.  She found the biggest box she could find, wrapped it up in pretty paper with bows and ribbons just like all the rest.  But inside, instead of a material present, there was a letter to her that we had her read outloud.  It reminded her that the biggest box under the Christmas tree is not what matters.  The size of the gift doesn't exactly mean it is the best.  She read the letter, and this sheepish grin spread across her pretty little face.  She made a comment something like this..."I think I've been taught a lesson!"  Even a little child knew when something of real value had been given. A little light clicked on in this tiny little heart. 

This year, we are having the grandchildren buy gifts for their brother or sister.  Which ever name they drew out of a hat.  The receiver of the gift, listed a few things they might want, not expensive, but nice.  The one who drew the name, had to set aside part of the money they earn from working with their Nano and Nana to pay for it.  This same little girl, has already bought the gift.  The oldest granddaughter is selling her ipod to her uncle to get money to buy a gift.  Our grandson always works with his Nano and he has been saving part of it for his gift.  We are trying to instill in them that the true spirit of Christmas is in what you give.  Not what you get.  It's not the size of the box that matters!

This year we didn't spend as much money as we have in the past.  Partly because our truck broke down and cost us a fortune to get it repaired.  Then the brakes went out.  But that's the reality of things.  But instead of being bummed about the size of the Christmas, we are thankful for one another, and are finding rest from all the hurry and bustle of the season.  We needed a wake-up call as well, because it's easy to get caught up in the things society calls "The Holidays". 

So in all your hurry and bustle and wrapping and decorating, take a few minutes each day and remember the Christ Child and his humble beginnings.  He came to give us life.  Abundant life.  A life full of love and mercy and giving.  He gave us the biggest gift any Father could bestow upon his children, Eternal Life.  And it wouldn't hurt to buy a gift for a homeless person.  They're everywhere.  You don't have to look far to find someone in need.  Even a sandwich and a hot cup of coffee would be a wonderful gift.  These people are hungry.  Just try to remember someone in need and the feeling of compassion will be your gift from your Heavenly Father.

Father, forgive us for our selfish ways and our preoccupation with the biggest box under the Christmas Tree.  Show us the true meaning of the Season and give us your gift of your love and your forgiveness for our shortsightedness.  We are human, as you well know, and we get caught up in things that aren't as important as we think they are.  Help us to teach our children the real meaning of Christmas.  It's in the giving that we find true fulfillment.  All of us have experienced that let-down feeling after all the toys and gifts are opened.  Because it's not who get's the most, but who gives the most.  Let us all be aware of your Holy Presence this year.  Let us give to those in need, and make someone else's Christmas warm and fulfilling.  We have so much.  Teach us to be grateful for what we have and to share the bounty of your love as much as we possibly can.

Thank you Father for sending Jesus to light our way.  Let us begin to come out of the darkness, and into the light of your love.  Change our hearts and our intentions and remind us all of the gift you gave....Your life.  Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus.  Thank you for my loved ones and our home and the promise that rings down through the ages,
"I will never leave you, nor forsake you!"  This is my Christmas Present, and I want to share it with all who need to hear the story of your first Christmas and the promise it leaves to us all!