“Christ Jesus is the reason for the season!”
Why do we give gifts at Christmas time?
Let us first start with, “Who is St. Nicholas?”
“The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who
was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His
wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic
while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own
and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to
assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving
God and was made Bishop of Myra while
still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his
generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for
sailors and ships. Through the centuries St. Nicholas has continued to be
venerated by Catholics and Orthodox and honored by Protestants. By his example
of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to
be a model for the compassionate life. Widely celebrated in Europe, St.
Nicholas' feast day, December 6th, kept alive the stories of his goodness and
generosity. In Germany and Poland, boys dressed as bishops begged alms for the
poor—and sometimes for themselves! In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas
arrived on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse on his gift-giving
rounds. December 6th is still the main day for gift giving and merrymaking in
much of Europe. For example, in the Netherlands St. Nicholas is celebrated on
the 5th, the eve of the day, by sharing candies (thrown in the door), chocolate
initial letters, small gifts, and riddles. Dutch children leave carrots and hay
in their shoes for the saint's horse, hoping St. Nicholas will exchange them
for small gifts. Simple gift-giving in early Advent helps
preserve a Christmas Day focus on the Christ Child.”
As you have just read, St. Nicholas was very
compassionate and giving. He surely did several intentional acts of kindness!
The popular Santa Claus today began with St. Nicholas’ story. However, the real
message of Christmas is not centered on the here and now Earthly material gifts!
Gift giving at Christmas is to remind us of the greatest gift that God has
given to us, His son Jesus Christ! The typical gift giving at Christmas is to
those whom you love/care about, whom you see often or to someone who has given
you a gift first. I do not think I know of someone who has given a gift to a
person who has been talking behind their back or an angry neighbor etc. I bet
it has happened though and that makes me happy because God gave us Jesus when
we were His enemies. We did not and do not deserve God’s gift of Jesus (Romans
5:8). Jesus shows us so much about the giver! What love, sacrifice, mercy and
grace from God!
*The act of kindness this week...show kindness by giving
to someone who is not on your gift giving list to help spread the good news of
the greatest gift we have ever received, Jesus!
The gift does not need to be expensive, just something thoughtful and kind given to someone not expecting it! I am posting this blog kind of late in the Christmas season but what better day to give than on Christmas Eve or Christmas day?! There are several places that have to stay open on both days.
*My experience with the act of kindness…The Christmas
party at my church this year for the women was called “Christmas Cookie
Exchange on a Mission”. Each lady brought three dozen cookies for a cookie
exchange. The mission took place after you left the party by giving a bag of
cookies and a card (shown in the collage above) to someone who you would not
think about giving a gift too. Examples suggested were co-workers, neighbors, police officers, fire fighters, your hair dresser, your doctor or your mail carrier.
One of the people that I shared a bag of cookies and card
with was my mail lady! I have been home several times when she has delivered
our mail. Unfortunately my dog, Jack, likes to bark at her. If she sees me in
the window calming him down, she always smiles and waves! I left her gift in
the mailbox before work one morning, and it was gone when I returned home! A
couple days later, my husband and I received a Christmas card from her thanking
us for the goodies! It sure put a smile on my face! We all seem to be a little
more in a hurry with full schedules during this season, but I cannot imagine
how much more work U.S. postal service workers etc have this time of year.
I pray that our mail lady did not only enjoy a surprise gift but also read the
truthful words on the card about Christmas and saw the information
about church service times on the back of the card!
Christmas is a time to remember and focus on the birth of
Jesus Christ who was born to set us free from sin and to bring salvation by His
death! Christ’s life is truly a gift! Merry Christmas!!
Please comment below with your own experience with this
act of kindness! I would really enjoy hearing about it!!
P.S. The next intentional act of kindness will involve
printed greeting cards of any occasion. When you are out after Christmas
shopping, please look for great deals on Christmas cards for this! The only
restrictions are that no cards from Hallmark, Disney or American Greetings can
be taken. 5″ x 7″ size or smaller is preferred. Thank you and stay tuned
for "Act of Kindness - Week #25!!" in January 2015!
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