There's Still Time...

When I was just a little girl, I memorized a quote for Christmas. Although I can’t remember whether it was for a school performance, church pageant or just for a family gathering, the quote has stuck with me all these years.

The gift you give another need not be a costly thing,
If you tuck a little love as you tie the string.

As I watch people worry, and fret over their Christmas shopping lists. Hurrying, scurrying from store to store for the perfect gift or that special must-have can’t live without toy of the season, I wonder if we’ve forgotten the real meaning of Christmas. Christmas is a time to remember the birth of Saviour, the one who came to live and to die in order to GIVE life and life abundantly.

In order to honor this, the ultimate gift, how can we give of ourselves this holiday season? Surely you know someone who will not be having a joyous Christmas without the help of friends and neighbors. Many folks are laid off or out of work, families are facing life-threatening illness and overwhelming medical bills, and how many more are facing foreclosure? What about our military families? With war on so many fronts, many families will be missing family members around the table this Christmas dinner?

Last weekend (while I was out doing the Christmas shopping thing ), Jeanette and I stopped by Chick-Fil-A for breakfast and witnessed a touching scene. Kids with grandparents and young families were being treated to lunch by State Troopers and their wives before taking them on a shopping spree. These children will remember that day for a very long while. Another group who make a difference in the lives of children is the Marines with their Toys for Tots programs. And they are not alone, firefighters, police as well as churches, area businesses and individual families are all helping meet the needs of families.

As I sit here in the SICU waiting room, I heard the story of some teachers at Wilson Elementary in Ohio who asked their students to forego presents to them. Instead of spending the money on the teachers, they asked the students to donate money to purchase food and diapers to help out a local mission. These students raised $1,400.00 and today met their teachers at a local store to choose the items and take them to the mission. What a lesson of giving for all involved!

One of my favorite radio stations, K-Love and Big Daddy Weave teamed up to make a difference for some military families throughout the United States who had needs this Christmas. The “Be Brave This Christmas” project as well as the news of many more troops being deployed to Afghanistan during the holidays have greatly touched me. My heart goes out to these families and our troops who are sacrificing so much.

The needs seem so overwhelming…what can I do to make a difference? I am only one person. It’s not too late…you too can make a difference! There’s still time to serve Christmas dinner at a mission, make up a food basket for the shut-in or a family out of work, visit the elderly at the nursing home, buy a coat or a toy for a child… Get creative!

These needs are not just limited to Christmas eve and Christmas day, but I pray in the spirit of giving…each day…reach out to someone in need.

Remember, the gift you give another need not be a costly thing..just use a little wisdom and lots of love!

Joy 2 u! ~ C ~