Every December, I vow that this year things will be different and every year I do the same thing. I rush from one store to another in an effort to find items I can mark off my list of gifts to purchase. Add to this the frenzy of ball games and events we attend, then mix in late-night gift-wrapping sessions and grocery shopping. By the time Christmas Day arrives, you can find me beneath the Christmas tree covered with torn wrapping paper, passed out from exhaustion.
In the past, I have tried to talk my family into packing up and going away for the holidays. No gifts, no cooking, just rest and relaxation and enjoying each other’s company. So far, I haven’t been able to convince them this is a good idea, and I sort of understand. There are a few family traditions that are too special to change.
Most of us have memories of growing up and waking to the wonder of a beautiful tree surrounded by stacks of presents. In our memories, Christmas was a magical holiday, mainly because our mothers were doing the work and all we had to do was show up and eat.
This year, the world is an economic mess. The idea of going out and buying gifts for people who already have enough of everything holds no appeal. Last year, my best friend gave me a very unusual Christmas present. I opened up a card to find a slip of paper inside that said something like, “Congratulations, you now own a goat.” The goat is in Africa and belongs to a family who needs the goat much more than I need new dishes or knickknacks.
Christmas at the Kindred house this year will be a scaled-down version of years past. I can cut back, but I don’t have the heart to cut out those things that are near and dear to my children’s hearts. One thing I can do, though, is follow my friend’s example. This Christmas, somewhere in Africa someone is getting a new goat.
You can purchase animals for needy families from several world-aid organizations, including www.heifer.com (click on “Heifer International Charity”).
Another friend of mine chose to celebrate by visiting www.compassion.com and sponoring a child in need.
There are angel trees in every community filled with children’s names who won’t get gifts if someone doesn’t adopt them for the holiday season.
Nursing homes encourage folks to adopt a grandparent and make the holidays more meaningful for one of their residents.
However you choose to celebrate, remember the reason for the season. While we don’t know the exact date of Christ’s birth, we know the story well.
Luke 2
8That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, 10but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! 11The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!”
13Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God:
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to all whom God favors. F6 ”
Jesus was born. He lived and died on a cross. He rose again and he is coming back to claim his own. Those are the facts and that is the real reason to celebrate!