A while back Adam and I talked about what we wanted to give each other for Christmas this year. One gift? Two? Spend a certain amount each? Somewhere in the discussion the radical idea was thrown out there: What if we just pay it forward this Christmas? What if we give to others rather than ourselves? What if we do things that are out of our comfort zone and may seem strange to some? What if, this year, we redefine Christmas?
Weirdos. For sure.
Well, that's exactly what we've done. Whether we've bought the people's food behind us in the drive thru, given gifts (more like essentials) to a family that is special to us from a local neighborhood, given a bigger tip than usual, or just given money away to complete strangers, the point was to give to others instead of ourselves-not because funds are low, not to be able to tell everyone what we've done, not to feel better about ourselves, but to simply give to others. Yes, there are things out there we could have bought each other, but really, do we need any more stuff? Are there things we want? Sure. Are there things we need? No, not really. All of the basics are covered for us and we're thankful for that.
So tomorrow morning we will sleep in a little later. We will still get up with the same excitement, but I'm sure it will be different. At least, I hope it will be. After all, the tree is bare underneath- no presents stacked all around. There will be no gifts exchanged between the two of us, but at the risk of sounding extremely chee-say, we both have the greatest gift we could ask for. Thank God we have a Savior; a relationship with Jesus; the most important gift we could have ever been given. We will be reflecting on that gift as we celebrate Christmas this year. That gift is available for you too. You don't have to earn it. You don't have to work for it. You don't have to be special to get it. Maybe you will exchange gifts with your family-awesome! But think about accepting this gift of salvation. Jesus is waiting for you. As we celebrate his birth, will you accept what He was born to do? He was born, lived without sin, and died on a cross for all of our mistakes and short-comings. He died to make a way for us to stand before God spotless and blameless.
We sang a song Sunday morning and the (pre)chorus is so, so sweet. It has stuck with me all week.
Oh how He loves us so
Oh how He loves us
How He loves us so
He loves us
Oh how He loves us
Oh how He loves us
Oh how He loves
This is what Christmas is really all about: God's great love for us
Love that sent his only son to earth
Love that was humble in coming into the world through the least glamorous way possible
Love that hung on a cross to pay for my mistakes and wrong-doings; for all the ways I fall short
Love that restores a broken relationship between God and people
Love that has defeated the grave
Love that gives hope when the storms rage
Love that shines when darkness tries to take over
Love that never fails us
Love that never gives up on us
Love that never changes its mind
Love that never lets go
Love that never runs out
Love that meets us where we are
Love that fights for us
Love that protects us
Love that always prevails
Love that is deep and wide
Love that is immeasurable
Love that is incomprehensible
Love that is constant
Love that is unchanging
Love that is selfless
Love that is unconditional
Love that is indescribable
Love that remains
Yes, God sent Jesus to earth; born into the world a miracle. Yes, we celebrate His birth during this season, but what's also amazing and worth celebrating is God's great love for us. If you actually read and reflect on the list above, it's amazing. I don't know anyone that loves me in all the ways listed above. My parents don't love me this way. My own husband doesn't love me this way. This love is a special kind that God has for his children.
There is nothing like the love of God.
Do you know this love?
Have you encountered this love?
When you do, you will never be the same after. You will be changed, different than before.
I encourage you to learn more about this great love. Ask someone about it and what it can mean for you.
For those who know what it is to experience this love, may we reflect on it, especially during this time.
I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and are full of thankfulness!
