There was a really sweet lady in the Logan prayer group who every July would announce she had all Her Christmas presents bought and wrapped. What? What ! we would all exclaim…every every year!
It’s July. And granted one 4th of July in Logan Ut it did snow on the church 4th of July picnic as we played volleyball. But I don’t think any of us had gifts even thought of for the next Christmas. As a minister it sent an extra ripple though my bones because I would suddenly realize that we hadn’t planned Advent…. Wait…. It’s July it’s ok
Perhaps what we should figure out is that we will indeed have Christmas on the 25th and that is Good. Jesus the Babe will be celebrated on Christmas Day. We will have, if we are so blessed, a fine meal with family and friends. We will indeed be ones who breathe Christmas in… not fall faint like the end of a marathon. How do we learn this and how do we teach it to our kids?
Example.
By example we will teach many of the lessons we show our kids, our family, our sphere of influence, that lady who is yelling at the store… Breathe.
Do not be afraid, I bring you Good News the angels said. But we are afraid. ???? What if x gets more presents than y. What if the big present for Y doesn’t show up until after Christmas. What if A comes to the door with a gift and we’ve got nothing to give them in return. What if?
So here is a present for you. Breathe. Again. Breathe. Let the world know that we do this giving to thank God for all we’ve been given.
What is your favorite ever Christmas gift?
God Abides, That’s the Christmas message.
I thank God!
@Bobbie Giltz McGarey 2022, Easton PA
The Spirit Will Tell You 