We all had a lot to be thankful for on Thanksgiving. The God who sits on the throne of our hearts, our families, loved ones, friends, the lives of our people in the military service, and the list goes on. It meant more than turkey, all the trimmings and Grandma's favorite sweet potato pie.
Remember those who have lost their lives for our freedom and have left families and loved ones with memories of their lives. There are those who have lost their jobs or encountered financial difficulties. A meager turkey sandwich, or no meal at all could have been their meal of celebration. These people were thankful for having survived another day...
With economic conditions as they are, this is going to be a very stressful Christmas for many. I hope the following will give some encouragement. This was written many years ago during a very difficult time in my life. I had been divorced after 12 years of marriage when my husband chose a different lifestyle, lacking financial support and feeding my 2 children on $10.00 a week. By the grace of God I am here today to help others in whatever way I can. I am recently retired and can not financially help others, but I can be that gentle touch, or caring shoulder to cry on and show them that they are loved, not only by me, but by Jesus.
The Greatest Gift
As the last faint sounds of Christmas carols fade off in the distance, and the water begins to chill around your ankles as you soak your aching feet... What will you really recall about Christmas? What was the greatest gift?
I honestly believe that if a poll was taken as to the true meaning of Christmas, "receiving/buying gifts" and "Santa" would rank as the most often answered.
Will a smile of love and appreciation cross our faces in the midst of scurrying around to find a bigger and better present for sister Sally than what brother Joe will give her; hunting down the fullest and tallest tree, and decorating our dwellings. Will we remember the real purpose of this Holiday Season, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Will we stop to ponder about that baby in the manger and how His life and death has brought meaning to our lives? His life was an example of the way we are to live. He loved us so very much that He was obedient to the end, even unto death on a cross.
We seem to get so caught up in the materialistic outlook of life we lose touch with the most important gift we have to give, not only at Christmas, but every day of our lives. That gift is the gift of love. Not love as the world knows it, but as Jesus Christ lived it. Instead of, or in addition to, decorating the outside of our dwellings, we should decorate the inside of our "temples". We should take Christmas out of our pocketbooks and put it back in our hearts!
Have a blessed Holiday and remember that Jesus is the reason for the season!
You are loved for the person you are and your love for others. Especially during these hard times you do not have to "buy" your way into a person's heart and wonder how you are going to pay your credit card bills. True love cannot be bought!
I hope that you will have a blessed holiday season. A loving hug or a special phone call will mean so very much to the people whose lives you have touched. You are a special person who is loved without a present in your hands.
Happy Holidays!
Judy Conway has a passion for writing and blogging is one of her venues. Please visit: http://www.judyconway.com! I hope that you will take the time to leave a comment.
Sheryl A. Matthews is not the owner of, nor is in any way affiliated with this website
What Do the Holidays Mean to You?
