CHICAGO, IL (December 24, 2007) – Christmas celebrates the greatest gift of all time – the gift of God’s son to redeem and reconcile a broken and sinful world. At least, that’s the intent.
Unfortunately, that great gift too often becomes subsumed in the frenzy of gift giving that grips so many at this time of year. As I pondered how easily the true meaning of Christmas can become distorted and diffused, my own view of the Christmas season was challenged.
Christmas is more than celebrating the great gift of two thousands years ago. It also is about celebrating the gifts of today – not the fancy packages decked with ribbon, but the gifts that we share with one another when the light of Christ shines through our lives.
What are they exactly, these gifts we give? Am I even aware of the gifts others have given freely to me? Have I ever said thank you?
I felt the prod to my spirit, the need to think differently about gift giving and begin to take note of the many ways in which others have blessed my life over the years – and to respond. As I committed it to prayer, a strange thing happened. Names began to enter my mind – some I hadn’t thought about in years. People who had given of themselves to me – in times of both joy and sorrow.
As a name surfaced, I jotted it down along with a notation of the gift this person had given to me. I wrote each one a personal note of appreciation that began like this: “This Christmas I offer thanks for the gifts that others bring. They remind me of the best gift of all, and his love lived out through the lives of people like you.”
I then went on to thank each individual for their unique gift, concluding with a blessing and prayer that they would sense Christ’s presence in a special way this Christmas season.
I felt a bit overwhelmed as I reviewed my list. One friend has battled cancer for many, many years. If anyone has the right to complain or feel anger through this terrible ordeal, certainly it must be this friend. Instead, I found myself thanking this individual for his witness of faith that has strengthened and encouraged my own spirit.
For another, it was appreciation for their gift of sensitivity and affirmation during a much earlier part of my faith journey. I thanked one friend for her encouragement during my own time of deep tragedy and sorrow, and especially for helping me to keep a sense of focus and balance as I pondered the inevitable questions of why a loving God would not have intervened and altered the outcome.
A special young person in my life has reminded me of the power of young faith and commitment to Christ in the face of incredibly difficult and painful personal circumstances. Another friend – I often describe him as the closest thing to a saint I think I will experience in this life – sacrificed the potential for professional success and fortune to dedicate his life to the mission field. A humble and obedient servant who inspires me to try and attain some measure of humble obedience in my own life.
For another, it is the gift of passion she exudes in her pursuit of ministry – a deep commitment to Christ and Christ-like compassion for those who are hurting. Could I be more like her? The gift of friendship shared generously with others. The gift of compassionate caring and sharing. Or spiritual sensitivity and discernment on the part of a Covenant missionary I had not known previously, one who ultimately played a significant role in my own response to God’s call on my life – and he never knew it at the time.
The list goes on. I quickly realized I could never say thank you enough times to enough people. The gifts that keep coming because of Christ-filled lives, and the challenge to my own spirit to try and live into that truth.
The gift of the Christ child is the gift that keeps on giving – if we allow it to.
