We call this the season of giving. That’s the traditional line. Yet, the only thing I see on “Black Friday” is people giving mean looks and black eyes. A lot. The season of giving seems to lose its meaning among so many things that are going on this time of year. I truly believe that most of us have the best of intentions, but it’s hard not to get caught up in everything else.
Think of it this way, what is your earliest memory of Christmas? For most of us it would be a first trip to see Santa Claus. Now, I have nothing against this man, quite the contrary. I admire his dedication and steadfastness. But to this day, his first question to all children has remained the same. “So little {fill in the name}, what would YOU like for Christmas this year? Yet, if this is the primary focus we teach our children from the earliest of ages, shouldn’t this be called, “The Season of Wanting”?
At the Breakfast with Santa I attended today, I saw plenty of examples of children beaming with their wishes to Santa, my own included. But one child stood out among all. She didn’t have the prettiest dress (although it was quite beautiful), she didn’t have the most perfect smile, (although it sure was pretty to see), but she had the most pure heart I saw. How could I see this you may ask? She was the child that approached Santa and his helper not with a wish, but with a present, for them. She took the time to make a wonderful bracelet that she gave to Santa’s helper.
This was not just any child either. This was very young child who over the last few years has experienced pain and loss that most of us can’t even imagine. A child who has displayed the heart and fight in the face of great adversity that we can all be proud of. Facing the battles that she does on a daily basis, it would be easy for her to walk up to Santa and ask for any number of things, not the least of which could be her health. It would be even easier for her to loose faith completely and ask Santa for nothing assuming that he does not respond to her wishes anyway.
Instead, she thought of giving. She took it upon herself to create a special present for someone who spends their time giving presents to others. This may be the most special bracelet I have ever seen given to another. In one single action, this little girl showed all of us that this truly is the Season of Giving.
A Child was given to all of us many years ago as the Ultimate Gift. He came bearing the gift of grace, forgiveness, and, most importantly, relationship with the One who created us. This child was born with one simple goal in mind. To one day fulfill a promise made to each us. There is a reason this is known as the Season of Giving.
The question is what do we do now? Simple, we follow this little girl’s example and give. Maybe it’s just giving at the red buckets we see. It could be giving your time at a nursing home. Spend some time at Children’s Hospital this year; there is always a need for volunteers, especially this time of year. Another wonderful cause I have stumbled upon is to help provide gifts to the families of our serving military. Go to:
http://www.klove.com/Ministry/FeaturedPartner.aspx
for additional information on the Be Brave This Christmas cause. It’s simple to do and will change the lives of many. But if this interests you, be quick about it. The program only runs from December 12 – 18, 2009. There are so many other wonderful ways to give this Christmas. Of our time, of our money, of ourselves. Let’s all make a commitment to let the spirit of this child’s giving spirit flow through us not only this Christmas, but if we are fortunate, every day.