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“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
James 1:17 ESV

Another Christmas has come and gone.

The pressure of worldly holiday madness is behind us, and we now lean toward the thoughts a new year may bring us. We rush through these calendar days at mach speed, slowing down only to attend one of the many events penciled in. After the parties, the musicals, the plays, the pageants, the cookie exchanges, and the dinners are behind us, we are too weary to even reflect what was most special to us.

This year, I made a consecrated effort to slow down.

I did my best to remove myself from the commercialized version of Christmas and cherish the quietness of time off from work. My daughters were with me as we reflected on the greatest gift any one of us can receive.

My quiet reflection began about two weeks before Christmas.

I was feeling rather blue one evening as I observed the beautiful connections of husband and wife couples on shopping outings. My mind slipped to visit Christmases past, remembering the “kid” brought out in my husband. I thought about how he always wanted a list for gift ideas, He would always surprise me though with one special un-requested item. The thoughts brought sadness – oh, how I missed those special gifts from a guy who thought I “hung the moon” and deserved so much.

I knew the best way to bust open this “blue balloon” was to spend time in God’s Word.

Reaching into my night stand, I pulled out my husband’s Bible. I opened the Word and that is when I found it. A list. Written in my husband’s handwriting and dated four months into his battle against cancer.

“Do I have anything to be thankful for?”

The tears fell as I read his recorded notations of what he appreciated, even in the midst of a very great trial. His entries centered around his salvation and his family. I hungrily read his gratitude for so many things, even while facing this unwanted journey. Through my tears, I thanked God for allowing this “list” to appear at a moment I was feeling low.

It was a gift, delivered at the perfect time.

And it quickly made its way to the top of my most favorite tangible gifts of the season.

As days passed, I pondered on the graciousness of this list. I knew my own list would have similar entries, but, in the heart of this Christmas season, I deeply reflected on the beauty of the greatest gift offered to mankind.

Grace. Offered in the form of a baby come to earth.

Salvation. Sins taken on the cross so we may have everlasting life.

Great love. How can we not extend this same love?

Each time we let God love others through our faith, it is Christmas time.

Maybe Christmas doesn’t just happen one day a year – maybe it can happen all through the year. Appreciation of what I have and being an heir into Christ’s family means my idea of Christmas has changed. And it is so much more. Yet, so simple – loving others.

It comes in the form of a smile or offering a hand to some one. Perhaps it comes in form of actions, offering your heart of service to someone. At any moment on any given day, it can be your gift to mankind.

I pray we all can find moments to share the gift of great love set forth some 2000 years ago. I am setting my mind on sharing this gift throughout the coming year.

Won’t you join me?

Father, thank You for Your Son and Your love. Thank You for opening my eyes to the great love You have for each of us. Help us, Lord, to serve You by serving others in love. May we feel moments of “Christmas” all year long. Amen