The mentality of "to whom much is given, much is expected" is a social expectation within the rural villages of Zambia. It is not surprising for someone who you do not know to ask for money, salt, sugar, etc. In the event, that you are in the midst of eating dinner or even preparing it no matter how much you have you are expected to invite the individual who dropped by to join you. This bit of background moves me closer to my point. Around the holidays, I could go into town and people who did not even know me would yell, "Give me Christmas". The mere fact that I was white made people assume that I was rich and in all honesty they were right by comparison.
Over the holidays I often think of people saying to me, "Give me Christmas". In Zambia, something as small as a piece of candy would have made them feel like I had given them Christmas. I love the holidays. I enjoy decorating, entertaining, finding that perfect gift for each person on my list, baking, singing Christmas carols, watching Christmas shows and movies, etc. However, if I didn't have any of that then what would make me feel like I experienced Christmas? You hear stories each year of people seeking the meaning or the spirit of Christmas if you will. I think that we often spend so much time searching for things that we had with us all along.
To me Christmas is about people, promise, and hope. It is about a baby born in less than regal surroundings who is "the annointed one". Even when I spent Christmas thousands of miles away, it was people who made that day special, the birth of a Savior made it significant. This holiday season I encourage you not to become overwhelmed by all there is to do or what you think is expected. Enjoy the moment. What is it going to take for you to feel like you have been given Christmas this year?
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Give Me Christmas
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I try to feel like I've been given Christmas every day all year long. However, some days I'm too busy thinking about myself.
To me, Christmas celebrates my Savior coming into this world. I know I should be thankful every day of the year for this. Like I said, though, sometimes my focus isn't where it needs to be!
I think for me this Christmas season has turned out to my more "Christmasy" than any other, which is surprising given the fact that Wes isn't with us.
I feel like we've been very focused this year because I am trying to impart knowledge and wisdom to my boys. How will they know who Jesus is if I don't tell them?... so I've started to do that in very real ways. We have an advent wreath, and every night Joel and I light a candle and talk about Jesus's birth, read from the Bible, and pray. We sing carols. We go to our church's Christmas programs. It's really been sparking some good conversation. Not only I am teaching him, but God is teaching me.
Normally I feel very frustrated because every year I feel like I some how gloss over the true meaning of Christmas. That is so easy to do! I think we have to make a conscious effort to put Jesus first; it doesn't come naturally.
Post a Comment