Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus and a time of giving and serving others.  It is also a time when many of us are feeling stressed about all that we want to accomplish. 

Looking back on Christmas memories, my favorite moments were times when our family relaxed and enjoyed the true meaning of Christmas.  Times that we as family and friends shared a meal and good conversation together.  A day where we relaxed and enjoyed each other’s company. 

A Time Of Giving

I am filled with joy when I am able to give a gift from the heart.  A gift from the heart is something very meaningful to the person you are gifting.  It takes thought and effort to find such a gift.  These gifts are not judged by the money spent but by the appropriateness of the gift.  The gifts I remember most are the ones that somebody took the time to think about what I might enjoy or find useful. 

A Time For Service

Although serving others is a priority all year long, Christmas highlights opportunities to serve others.  It might be that a neighbor is in need of a visitor.  A senior may need extra assistance with shopping, a dinner invitation, or a phone call to let them know someone is thinking of them.  Maybe a single parent/guardian is in need of time without the kids to prepare for the holiday.  A child might be in need of help to make gifts for loved ones.   How may we brighten someone’s day with our service?

I have been and currently, am blessed with people who have made my life easier by generously assisting me in some way.  When my girls were younger a neighbor took them for a few hours and assisted them in putting together a Christmas present for me.  The same neighbor offered to take my girls a few hours before I hosted large family gatherings.  Another offered the use of their snowblower in times of need.  One reached out and offered assistance with the lawn.  We also have a neighbor who is helpful regarding our dog.  Simple acts of kindness that bring joy to those you serve.        

A Time For Tolerance

For many the Christmas season brings joy, but for some the season is difficult.  People have holiday expectations that are not always achieved.  Schedules and plans frequently change.  I have learned to be flexible in my expectations and have a high tolerance for things that don’t go as expected.  I pray that I will be respectful and caring to those around me as I maneuver through the activities leading to the celebration.

Christmas is a time to slow down and appreciate the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus.  What I have found is that when serving Jesus is number one on my list of priorities, everything else seems to fall into place.

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