Tis the season! There are bell ringers out ringing, and every time you go to a store to make a purchase you may end up being asked if you “want to donate” something or other. You may have already started opening your Advent calendar. Depending on what type of calendar you are using, you may have begun reading poems, seeing images or scripture, etc.
As we begin this journey toward Chrismas day and the beginning of a New Year, how are you preparing for it? Or are you preparing for it? Does it set your teeth on edge every time you hear someone ringing a bell? Do you feel compelled to give? Are you worrying about how much money you have to spend on gifts? Are you counting pennies or worrying about who won’t be receiving gifts from you as you can’t afford it this year? What people will think? What happens if you receive but can’t afford to give?
Unfortunately, this time of year can be stressful for many people. We move toward the holiday with joy or drudgery. We have moved away from what it means to what we are told the season means. If you consider that the biggest shopping day of the year, is the day after Thanksgiving and the second is the day after Christmas, what does this say? How do we share the meaning of the season when we are being compelled to buy things we can’t afford to give to people we barely see?
Perhaps this is the year that we should be focusing on “giving” in the real sense of the word. Not buying things for people who could afford to get it for themselves, but helping to refill the food banks around your hometown. How about giving supplies such as blankets and coats, things that will help year round? How about not expecting anything from anyone and understanding the true joy in giving? Why not tell your friends and family that instead of gifts, you don’t need, to give to someone who does need? Or find an organization, that you can all gift to as a family? Share the joy in the season in a new and meaningful way.
Am I advocating to not celebrate the season and give gifts to one another? No, not at all. The holidays are steeped in family traditions. If you can afford to give gifts to everyone and your family is blessed to be able to do this, then celebrate as you choose. What I am saying, is that often times there are family members who are struggling and going into debt to give just so others don’t know how financially difficult things are. There are people who aren’t willing to go without so others don’t know they are doing this. There is a lot of pressure on individuals during this time of year and often we don’t see or know it. The season, has, unfortunately, become so commercialized it is easy to miss those in our immediate surrounds who are really in need.
My prayer this year is that we open our eyes, hearts, and minds to view the season in a different way. That if we can afford to give to our families and friends with true joy and not expecting anything in return, we do so. That if we don’t find ourselves on the receiving end we don’t get upset and think about how next year we will ‘pay them back’ for ‘ignoring us’. Realize that not everyone is in the same financial boat and that it can hurt to give. That some people may have to make the choice between giving and going without food.
Remember this is a time where we can show the true meaning of Christmas in our ability to share our love and lives with each other. That we don’t have to give gifts to celebrate. That we can use it as a time to teach our children that it really is about giving and not getting. That true joy can be in giving to those who really need it.
There are a lot of good causes out there to give to. I remember a time in my life where I needed the help and someone was there. I am thankful that my pride allowed me to ask and be okay with receiving. It is just as difficult to receive when you have nothing to offer to back. It is a humbling and difficult position to be in. So, remember that when you give, give with love and joy and no expectations of return. That is the true blessing in giving.
When you receive, recieve with joy, love and gratitude that someone was blessed enough to give. There is a blessing in both positions. It is our heart that tells the truth in the way we give and receive. Remember, God knows not only your situation but your heart as well. He can see in the darkness what we would rather not have come to light. Pray for His leading and guidance as we move toward the end of this year and into a New Year.