God Bless Them, Every One

What is your favorite part of Christmas? Is it the decorating, food, music, family and friend get-togethers or surprising your favorite children with something you know they have been dreaming of? I love all of these special traditions, but feel guilty when I begin to stress over any of these things that are so temporary in the scheme of life. As Rachel and I were ringing the bell Saturday for the Salvation Army, I began to understand what my favorite part of Christmas is.

The wind was blowing and a few snowflakes falling, Saturday afternoon, as the temperature made its way below freezing. Some of the people coming in and out of the store were people we knew, but many were strangers. There were so many smiles and greetings. There were even people thanking us for being willing to stand for an hour. I don't know if it was because it was cold, or because I had my little girl, whose smile brings dimples, with me or because they were simply giving, but there were few who passed by us without filling the bucket. I prefer to think they were just generous. This brings me to what I realize is my favorite part of Christmas. I love what it does to people. Somehow it changes most people. We like to give. We like to show appreciation. We like to show those who are closest to us how much we love them. Despite the fact that all too often we are caught up in the "trappings" of Christmas, deep down we all know that the best gifts we give and receive have eternal meaning. Spending time with loved ones, saying a word of encouragement or thanks, praying for each other or sharing an act of kindness are always the most meaningful gifts. Christmas seems to be a natural time to do these things because we are reminded that Jesus specifically came to give us an eternal gift. He came to save us from our sin, but also to change us to be like Him. He came to be with us, to encourage us, pray for us, and to provide for us. When I see people carrying out these same actions, it makes me warm inside even if it is freezing outside.