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The Spirit of Christmas

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There is something about Christmas that causes you to forget differences and to embrace those you love and even those you don't. My previous job messed up with my final pay that did not come on the day it should have, due to some oversight with payroll requirements. My family missed out on the extras that my pay could have provided. Disappointed?  Yes I was, but not anymore.  Forgiveness (personally given) is a great feeling and I feel so much better about it. It was an opportune time to forgive and to pray that Jesus will draw people to Himself.  Jesus said: "And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself" (John 12:32).  Lift Jesus. Lift the spirit of love and hope... As we reach out to others, may God touch them and may they remember Jesus in their journey.

It is the spirit of Christmas that challenges us to give until we can't give anymore. There is a joy in us to give. I find that I buy more than I intend to. I just can't help myself. Perhaps some people think that the spirit of joy and giving that they are sensing is just a coincidence - that it's typical of this time of the year. But it is a heart thing. It's a response to what you are sensing in your heart. It's that special something - some call it - the magic of Christmas. I call it the supernatural power of God.  Lord Jesus, may those gifts we give draw someone closer to You!

This Christmas, I've asked myself why I have to wait until Christmas to say thank you. I think it's more personal and responsive if I just grab the moment and thank them because it's more appropriate to do it then.  The reality is, there are so many people we appreciate and want to thank. My point here is, when you sense that feeling to thank and appreciate someone, don't brush aside the feeling to do it. Act on it. I wonder what I've missed out on just because I didn't... For me personally, this is something to work towards improving between now and the next year.  

Yesterday was Christmas day. As we sat as a family around our Christmas tree, the most special thing for me was my grandaughter praying before and after we opened our gifts. That's a beautiful memory that will be forever etched in my heart as a grandmother. I hugged her and thanked God for the simple faith of children. She is 22 months old and her speech is still developing. I just love children's prayer language! Grandchildren, there is so much of the spirit of Christmas in them. What treasures from God, to have and enjoy in our homes! 

The best gifts I receive have no monetary value. These are the ones with special value. I call them 'memento value':
  • the Christmas card from a friend that says : "you are a pillar... friends like you help to run the race and focus on Jesus..."
  • the scriptures from friends who point me to the Word of God and His will for my life.
  • the little plaque from a loved one that says : "For You Mum with love "...your kindness makes a difference..." 
  • the thoughtfulness and insight of a loved one, who changed his gift to suit my financial situation.
  • and there are many more...
I'm on cloud nine when I receive those kinds of gifts.  That's what I mean about the spirit of Christmas, it is so unique. It's that supernatural power of God that influences us to do what we do; To give what we give. To say what we say... It is not a coincidence, it is the spirit of the One who came down to earth, to bring the message of hope..., not for just you and I, but, for the whole wide world!! Love divine... Amen! it's God-Amazing!

I like this quote from Helen Keller:  
     "The only real blind person at Christmas time 
         is he who has not Christmas in his heart."

May your homes be filled with the spirit of Christmas this season!

Comments

  1. UnknownDecember 29, 2009 at 1:59 PM

    Thanks Lome, what an awesome insight into the deeper meaning of Christmas. After reading your blog, I too casted my memory back on our Christmas moment for 2009. This Christmas has been different for me, I made sure it wasn't going to be 'just another day' and that my kids' experience of Christmas 2009 will be special. Our Christmas celebration started at home with a beautiful breakfast outdoor on our deck where we could hear the tuis and the kiwi birds chirping in the morning. sometimes we overlook those little things that reminds us of God' creations and uniqueness. This was followed by a family bbq at Uncle' place with all the cousins and family. We then drove around to say merry christmas to other family members on our way to drop off the kids at their dad's family, and to another family gathering out west.
    The most significant 2009 Christmas moment for me was what my Uncle said to us at the bbq - that Christmas was about us giving ourselves to others just how Jesus was given to us. It was about reconnecting and reconciling with families, not the presents which the commercial world created so they could benefit. I have heard this so many times but this year it really hit home where it mattered. Sometimes I look at my own life and the way things have turned out for me. But isn't great that we have a God who knows our past present future. A father who is in control and has a program for our lives - reminds me of Romans 8 v 28 "everything works together for those who love God and are called according to his purpose". God knows what's best for us, our thoughts and plans aren't his because he has so much in stored for our future and all we have to do is 'be still and know that he is God'. The pain and struggles we go through is to strengthen our characters, they won't last for ever - a thousand days is one day in God' calendar.
    So thank you for your blog and the personal insights that stirs up our own and reignites the flames within our souls....

    ReplyDelete
  2. SPEAK TO THE DARKNESSDecember 29, 2009 at 6:49 PM

    thanks for the comments Rosetta, and how wonderful that we can stir in others those wonderful memories... our history with God! You wrote beautifully, and from your heart, that's where God touches us. I look forward to seeing your posts...

    Love and prayers...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Suivaaia TapuJanuary 17, 2010 at 9:40 PM

    Hey Lomz :D
    oh em gee ! just read your blog now. sorry its late. but thank you so much ! very inspiring and has definitely stirred my heart towards the greater things of God. Christmas 09 for me was one of the most memorable ones for me. First time seeing Dad not drink (hehe) but a time of reconnecting with family we hardly spend Christmas with, so that was different but awesome! the fellowship my family and I spent with The Fales and The Tapus while mum was in Samoa. Also meeting up with my best friend who I hardly see now and sharing the best gift that Jesus has given which is Jesus himself..The best gift I have ever Recieved :D
    Love you Lomz! and great response Seta!
    God bless you and the grandchildren and the rest of the family :D
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. SPEAK TO THE DARKNESSJanuary 19, 2010 at 5:40 PM

    Thank you Sui for your comments. I'm blessed to hear about what God is doing in your family and in your life with your friends. Keep shining that light, better days are ahead!!

    ReplyDelete

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