I fight having one big pity party this time of year. Looking back somehow gets easier. And I’ve had some really bad Christmas time experiences, like a bad medical diagnosis at 45 when I was told to retire, almost dying another year and a few years ago, mom died on Christmas day.
It seems like Satan knows it, and turns the pressure up to an unbearable level for all of us Christ Followers that struggle with Christmas. If we’re prone to being somewhat cranky, grumpy or debbie downers anyway, the “I” trouble we can struggle with can get overwhelming this time of year.
Then we’ve got huge expectations from Andy Williams, singing at the top of his lungs over and over again…
It's the most wonderful time of the year
There'll be much mistletoe-ing
And hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near!
It's the most wonderful time
Yes, the most wonderful time
Oh, the most wonderful time of the year!
If you try to think of happier holidays when you were a kid, the heart of Christmas was the anticipation and surprise of presents. Listing all of the cool presents you got, you also start remembering the disappointment from regifted presents from cousins or simply not getting exactly the presents you wanted (and deserved).
Growing up in a world that often measures worth by possessions and what you get—starting in childhood—as adults we can’t forget the saying, “He who ends up with the most toys…wins.” Right?
Bottom line Upfront: Instead, be Jesus to someone this Christmas by letting your presence be a present to someone in need of Him.
As an intentional Christ Follower, I have started to realize more and more that the heart of Christmas is the incredible reality of His presence in my life!
We celebrate Christmas not because of the decorations or the gifts under the tree, but because of the gift God placed in a manger over 2,000 years ago. Jesus came to live and walk with us—to heal, to teach, to sacrifice and ultimately to restore us to the Father.
What I am saying is that God gave us Himself. Jesus, Emmanuel, which means God with us, entered our messed up, lonely self-serving world to bring light, hope, and love. His very presence is the most profound gift humanity has ever received.
And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:14
Simply stated, His presence changes everything. Jesus reminds me that we are loved and never alone, even when I feel like a spiritual loser.
This Christmas, instead of the “I” problems and struggles, let’s concentrate on Jesus’ presence as the key to life. Let’s begin following His example.
As Christ Followers, we are called to reflect this same gift of presence to those around us. In a lost world full of distraction and disconnection, one of the greatest ways we can show the love of Jesus is by being there for others—fully and wholeheartedly.
Think of the people in your life who need you this season: A family member struggling with loneliness; a friend battling grief or loss; a neighbor who feels forgotten; a co-worker overwhelmed by life’s demands. Pray today for God to send you to the right opportunity.
What if your presence could be the present that brings hope, encouragement and Jesus’ love to them? Just as He stepped into our world, we can step into the lives of others with compassion, kindness and grace.
This Christmas, remember: Your presence is someone’s present. Just as Jesus entered our lives to dwell with us, let’s bring His light and love to others—for His glory and their joy.
Merry Christmas!
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-Arnie
