Friday, December 24, 2010

Tis the Season...

Well, it is that time again. The time of hustle and bustling of crowds in the store, looking for that perfect gift for that special someone. A time of reflection and connection with others around you and sharing the great Christmas Spirit. But what does that term 'Christmas Spirit' really mean? Is it something that we have as a society have forgotten, do not understand, or have simply ignored all together?

Lately I have been stretched in looking more in depth as to what this 'Spirit' really is, through the difficulties that my father has been experiencing medically this week. In this past week I have been looking in the actual act of being there for a family member for support as a means of spreading the Christmas Spirit. We, often look to the presents or the blessings of gifts in this season as a means of spreading the Spirit of Christmas. Yet is there something more that we have not recognized?

I have herd from different people as to what is the one thing that they are not looking forward at Christmas and most of them have said that family is the thing that they least look forward to. For me, this was a very difficult thing to get a grasp on, this is a season where we are to be looking to others and seeking to be closer to one another and to God through the blessing of His Son's birth. This is often the form of sacrifice that most people are 'willing' to suffer for Christmas. To spend time with the in-laws or see family you only see once a year that you really don't want to see at all.

Sorry, if it may seem like a I am preaching and may be stepping on something that you yourself are not agreeing with me on, but I have been really pushed in my personal experience. Yes, this season we do get to spend time with family and that is a way of blessing, but where do we really give more at Christmas? It was 2010 years ago that we were given a gift from God, the birth of Jesus Christ. Yet, this is not the only thing that should be remembered in this time of year. We need to remember His purpose and His change in culture that is the true reason fro being here. Jesus brought us into a servanthood mentality that we need to live everyday. Seeking all opportunities that are around us and to serve others in all we do for the glory of God.

This past week has been my challenge, that instead of looking at Christmas simply as a break from the school work and to focus on revitalizing my personal needs. I need to be looking at the needs of others above mine and be able to serve them first. Christmas is part of the movement of serving humbly for others and seeking the will of God in all circumstances. Seeking in all ways to be a lowly servant for others, even if we are not rewarded after with gifts or with a simple thank you. We need to act as blessings and gifts to others in our actions to others, not only in gift giving, but the giving of ourselves for others. This is the 'Christmas Spirit' that I believe is what the season is supposed to be conveying. Tis the season to be the active gift of service for those who are around us and abroad. Tis the season to be challenged to give of ourselves to those in need. Tis the season to be the example of the true servant that lived on earth before us and is calling us to act in the Holy Spirit that is called by God. Tis the season to be practical and real in our faith, not only living it out in our words but in our actions.

Tis the season...