Christmas: One of the greatest days of year
Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Joyeux Noel! Buon Natale! God Jul! Meri Kurisumasu! Chuc Mung Giang Sinh! Happy Birthday Jesus!
It is one of the greatest days of the year! I looooooooove Christmas! (Imagine that I just screamed that at the top of my lungs while typing it. For real. It happened.) If you remember, during our last conversation, I shared with you how much I love Christmas and gift giving. Even when I have a budget and make a commitment “to do less this year,” I overdo it. I can’t help it. I love finding just the right gift, with the perfect meaning, created special for a family member, friend, or colleague. Did I mention I love Christmas!?!
Giving gifts is not the only thing I love about Christmas. I love receiving gifts too. Duh! Who doesn’t love receiving gifts!? I especially love the handmade gifts from my nieces or the personally signed cards from one of my god-children. Some of the best Christmas gifts I’ve ever received were from Christian when he would bring home some Santa Secret Shop presents that he bought and picked out just for me. He was so proud. He loved and still loves shopping to this day. He is a crazy gift-giver too! Kids, when encouraged, appreciated and taught, can be the most awesome gift-givers ever! Don’t you agree? I know of one amazing kid who gave the best gift ever; let me tell you about him.
A little over 2,000 years ago, a baby was born to a teen mom who was in a committed relationship with her fianc茅. They didn’t have much money or resources, but they had each other. From the day he was he conceived, folks knew how special he was (Luke 1:26-2:20). His purpose foretold by ancient prophecies (Isaiah 9:6) and the legacy of his life (Luke 23 and 24) would change the world forever. Throughout his life, he shared all that he had. From a great story about living humbly and loving your neighbor to the woodwork he would create with his “step-dad” to meals — even his last meal — this kid shared it all. He was a great, humble, loving and the most ultimate gift-giver EVER!
If you don’t know by now who I am talking about, I am referring to Jesus. He was the kid born to an engaged teen mom who had very little earthly riches. I’m sure she and her husband Joseph, gave Jesus everything that they could. But let’s be real — he wasn’t getting any PlayStations, Xboxes or Hatchimals. And in gratitude, he gave them respect, love and appreciation. I’m sure he gave them some great handmade gifts as well; but more importantly, he gave them a life lived as a servant leader that they could be proud of. I mean, he was (and is) the Savior of the World. He had a lot to do in 33 years.
Through his life and death we received the greatest gift we will ever receive — salvation. He freely gave his life on a cross so that we may have eternal life with him and his father in Heaven. No greater gift can come from a friend (John 15:13).
A few weeks ago, I shared a very personal experience with you about un-forgiveness. I shared that I would be giving myself the best gift I could think of and that was forgiveness. I forgave myself of holding on to the memories of pain. I forgave myself for not seeking freedom sooner. And I forgave the person who caused me the pain. Forgiveness was just the first step. Living free in relationship with Jesus Christ is where my true blessings come from. Don’t you want that too? A life free from past guilt, festering pains and stolen dreams? I thought you might want that. Let me share a gift with you my friend. I can’t give it to you, but I know who can.
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and commemorate his life through the giving of gifts, the sharing of meals and spreading the messages of joy and hope, let us not forget what his life means to us. His life represents a new beginning, a new chance to live in peace, sharing peace; live in hope, spreading hope; live with gratitude and showing appreciation. Celebrating his life every year, celebrating your life (on your birthday) every year is a way for you to recall your birth story and in many ways, be born again. Receive the gift of Jesus Christ today. Commit your life to the Lord and live renewed, reborn (Read Romans 12:1-21).
Renascido! Rinato! Renaissant! Weidergeboren! Renaissance!
May God bless you and your families as you celebrate the holiday season. Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa to our friends celebrating other religions. Don’t forget to spend the next several days considering and praying about what one word you will focus on for the New Year. What will 2017 bring you? Let your one word guide you into your renaissance!
Thank you Christian for inspiring this article. You are the best, my son. I love you.
Gina Watts is a former resident of Fayette County, now living in Columbus, Ohio. She serves multiple communities as an advocate, educator, and leader. Follow Gina on Twitter @professorgmarie.