Christmastime is upon us... that wonderful, joyous, busy, holy time of year. The children at our church did a super job of sharing the Christmas story with us all this morning. Anna and Will were shepherds, and Evan was the cutest donkey ever (though I may be a little biased).
Anyway, it was a great reminder of the meaning of the season. Of how God Almighty humbled himself and came to us, to live among us. There was no room in the inn. How could all the vastness of the Creator squeeze into a Bethlehem inn anyway? Even more, how could he fit into the size of a tiny babe sleeping in a manger? It reminds me of the scene in Aladdin where the Genie, describing his own situation, says "phenomenal cosmic powers... itty bitty living space."
But there he is, our God, in a stable among the dirt and livestock and humble folk. The Creator stepping into his creation. More powerful and wonderful than any genie, he seeks us, pursues us, transforms us. He could raise up the rocks to praise and glorify his name, but he wants us. He chooses us. Do we have room for him?
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
What If We Could Change The World?
It's Christmastime, and the race to get more stuff for our loved ones is on. There are traffic jams around the malls and long check-out lines at the popular stores. As I consider what sort of goodies might make my little ones smile, I look around our home and see the bounty they already have, and I wonder...
What if we could all indulge a little less on ourselves and our families? Are those shiny new toys really worth it? Do we really need...?
What if we deliberately reduced our Christmas spending and used that money to help others? Others in far more desperate need?
What if we skipped some of the coolest toys and gadgets, and instead bought goats? Or chickens? For a family whose life would be changed by our kindness.
What if we invested our money in providing education for a child somewhere in that other world? Or maybe supported a clean water project that sets up wells to help entire communities enjoy safe drinking water?
What if this Christmas we looked beyond "us" and made a difference for "them?" Could we clear our eyes of all the glitter and excitement, promoted by shiny baubles and mall music, and reach out beyond our own world to really make an impact?
Just think about what could happen. We could change a life. We could offer hope. It seems to me that's the true spirit of Christmas. And yet it is so very difficult.
Visit www.worldvisiongifts.org (or another such organization) to learn how to help in these types of projects and more.
What if we could all indulge a little less on ourselves and our families? Are those shiny new toys really worth it? Do we really need...?
What if we deliberately reduced our Christmas spending and used that money to help others? Others in far more desperate need?
What if we skipped some of the coolest toys and gadgets, and instead bought goats? Or chickens? For a family whose life would be changed by our kindness.
What if we invested our money in providing education for a child somewhere in that other world? Or maybe supported a clean water project that sets up wells to help entire communities enjoy safe drinking water?
What if this Christmas we looked beyond "us" and made a difference for "them?" Could we clear our eyes of all the glitter and excitement, promoted by shiny baubles and mall music, and reach out beyond our own world to really make an impact?
Just think about what could happen. We could change a life. We could offer hope. It seems to me that's the true spirit of Christmas. And yet it is so very difficult.
Visit www.worldvisiongifts.org (or another such organization) to learn how to help in these types of projects and more.
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