Sadie's Gift

                                      

Every year, at this time of year, life seems to become one big whirl wind.  Life becomes very fast pace; where both days and nights become filled with some event or activity.  Although it is the happiest time of year, we tend to get so busy and so caught up in the materialistic parts of the season that we forget about the true meaning of the celebration.

I will be the first to admit, these past two weeks have been complete chaos for me!  Between school, family, quitting my job to prepare for this new adventure, and celebrating Christmas events, I have had something going on nearly every night.  Life has seemingly been nonstop.  Due to these busy days and late nights, I will admit that my morning devotional time has definitely not received the time it deserves - it has almost been nonexistent on somedays....

The irony in all of this - the reason life is so busy, the reason for this holiday, is to celebrate our Savi0r, JC. But, how is it that we give gifts, we indulge in tons of food, we gather together with loved ones....we laugh & fellowship with one another...yet, in all of this we forget the real meaning behind the season?!?  

That first Christmas our Father gave us the best gift one could ever receive - the birth of Je$u$.  Our Father selflessly sent His one and only Son into this world - a world we selfishly filled with sin - knowing that this was one gift that He would give to His people, out of love and compassion, which would not and could not be returned by the people.  He sent His Son into this world, knowing the outcome would result in Chr1$t's death on the cross, to save us of our sins - to save us, filthy, unworthy sinners - so that one day we could enter into His gates forever...

This gift was the most valuable, the most heartfelt, the most selfless gift anyone could ever give.  This gift is THE reason we have and celebrate Christmas.  

So, is it okay that we give gifts and celebrate with family during this time of year?!  Definitely.  But, does our Father want us to get so caught up in purchasing gifts and the materialistic aspect that we have turned Christmas into, that we forget the true meaning of Christmas?!! No.  I challenge you to stop and take time this year to share the true meaning of Christmas with someone; share with them the best gift that they could ever receive - JC! 

....Even if everyone you know already knows Dad, you can STILL share His love for them, with them.  And this is the lesson that I learned Sunday! 

Yes, my family and loved ones are all His children, but does that mean that I cannot continue to share His love and discuss His word with them?!  Absolutely not.  And this often times is something that we tend to do.  

I feel it is easy to look at people as check marks.  Once one becomes a follower, we just check them off and tend to not discuss, build, and grow a Christian relationship with them.  We tend to look for the next nonbeliever to share His love and word with.....

But, this is not what we are called to do.  We are called to connect, build, and grow in our relationship with Him together!  We are His body, and His body cannot operate correctly without all parts working together; keeping each other built up through words of encouragement, prayer, discipleship, and so forth....

As I went to church yesterday, I received the BEST Christmas gift from a fellow believer one could ever imagine.  

Yesterday, little Miss Sadie gave me a handmade scarf for my trip to "Italy!"  It was absolutely stunning - you could tell that she spent a lot of time and effort on this scarf - it was truly made with love.  But, this gift got even better.  Along with the gift, Miss Sadie had written me a card.  In the card Sadie wrote - "...I also hope you will remember that when you look at this scarf you can know that you always have someone praying for you...." 

Sadie, a child, understands the way that gifts should be given.  Sadie not only gave me a scarf, a tangible item that she worked so very hard on making, but she also has given me a priceless gift - the gift of prayer!  There is nothing more comforting than knowing that I have her support and her prayers during this time in my life.  This is what Christmas is all about - this is what we, as believers, are called to do for one another! 

Thank you sweet Sadie for reminding me what Christmas is all about. Thank you Sadie for reminding me to slow down and remember the reason for this Christmas season.

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! 

Love you all, 

Sam