Posted by
John Crutchfield on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 8:46:44 AM
Are you having trouble getting into the spirit of the season? For many of us, its been a little tougher this year because we're all stressed out about our finances. In good times we're freewheeling through Christmas, buying tons of gifts for those we love and, lets be honest, it feels good when we give to others. But what about those bad times when we are forced to tighten our belts and do with less?
Our mood may be low because we can't afford that perfect gift for someone we love and we don't want them to be disappointed. Somehow, we equate our value with that of our gift. In our minds, if the gift is meager, so are we. This is what happens when we place so much emphasis on the gift and forget all about the reason we give in the first place.
Three wise men once brought gifts to the baby, Jesus. They were precious gifts fitting for the newborn King. But there were others that day who had nothing to give. Poor shepherds in fields fell to their knees when angels brought the news that a Savior was born. All they had to offer the King of Kings were hearts full of thanks and love. To God, hearts like theirs were more precious than gold and they still are today.
We've lost sight of what's important and hard times can be used by God to rearrange our priorities. We've focused our attention on the things that are of this world and forgotten about the most precious gift ever. Rich or poor, God sent His love to us through His Son, Jesus. He was God's gift to us. It was a gift of love divine. That love is enough. Its always been enough and all He wants from us is our love in return.
I wish you God's love this Christmas.