At Christmas time, we often hear reminders of focusing on the reason for the celebration. But that admonishment may be too vague. What is the reason for the celebration?
I’ll never forget the sign I saw in northern Indiana once, “Keep Christ in Xmas.” I don’t know if they were being cute or if they ran out of room. But I’d have preferred that they spell out what they were talking about.
I’m reading Walter Hilton right now. “The Ladder of Perfection.” Interestingly, the topic of the day was the seven deadly sins, first of which is pride. It is amazing how pride can get in our way. The way Hilton describes it, pride is thinking too much about me. I’ve heard people in the very way they describe events that it’s all about them. Listen. They’ll say, “they did it to me” or “she ignored me” or “the company did this to me” when, in reality, those other people probably didn’t really care about them. Is your thinking about what you’ll give? What you’ll get? What you’ll do?
I’m reading more and more often about substituting service for giving and getting material gifts. Do it in the spirit of serving others. It’s not you, it’s them. Then, don’t boast about it. Giving extra to missions it good. At this time of life, we are financially blessed. We can give to people around the world and spread much good. Make micro-loans through Kiva, or support Compassion International, World Vision or a local missionary who does good deeds to people and spreads the word of Jesus.
Make Christmas merry for others. And meditate on just what Jesus’ coming means for you.
Tags: Christianity, focus, mission, service
Faith Venture 
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