How Will You Celebrate?
Written by Sparky Pritchard Friday, 11 December 2009 15:53
Looking for a heart-warming story for the Christmas season? My eye caught this one in one of James Hewett’s books.
“It was the first day back to school after Christmas vacation, and the teacher used a good bit of the morning by going around the room and asking each child to tell how they spent Christmas. The first boy said, ‘Well, we are Catholics and we went to midnight mass and came home and went right to bed. The next morning we had a big breakfast and sat around the Christmas tree and opened all our presents.’ The second child then told her experience. ‘We are United Methodists but we did about the same thing. We went to the Christmas Eve candlelight service and came home and went to bed. We had a big Christmas breakfast and then opened all our presents.’ The third child then said, ‘Well we aren't Christians. But we did have a big breakfast and opened presents around the tree. Then we all got into the car and went downtown to my dad's department store. He showed us all the empty shelves. He showed us all the money. Then we made a circle around the cash register, joined hands, and sang, What a Friend We Have in Jesus.’”
Okay, so maybe it isn’t heart-warming … how about heart-rending? This tale begs us ask the question, “What impression do you leave with others regarding the Christmas season?”
Are we more concerned about our gifts … or the GIFT? Are we more preoccupied with the decorations in our home than we are the adoration of our heart? Is the only light that shines in this season on a tree … or can it also be seen in your life?
How we celebrate the season speaks volumes to those around us. Could I offer a few suggestions? Seek quietly times alone with God. (You will need these moments to restore sanity during this season.) Spend wisely on the gifts you buy. (Don’t allow your budget to bulge like Santa.) Smile graciously as you shop. (People will definitely wonder what’s wrong.) Sing enthusiastically as you worship. (Didn’t the angel say that the news of Christ’s birth brings good tidings of great joy?) Share faithfully the true meaning of the season. (You will find many of your friends and neighbors are far more open at this time of year than any other.)
May the Lord give you a blessed holiday season.
-- Sparky
