Sunday, December 19, 2010

Christmas... Jesus is the Reason

Christmas... the time of year that we celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. A season of laughter and smiles and family and friends. The time of year that we set aside our "differences" and come together to share our love. It is by far my very favorite time of the year. The sound of songs and joy fills the air. The smell of Turkey and dressing and pumpkin pie rushes to your senses as soon as the door is opened. Decorations adorn the living room and every archway that is open. The Christmas Tree is lit and sparkles and blinks red and green and blue colored lights. Some-where, in that same room that is filled with a Christmas Tree, the sound of Christmas Carols playing on the CD, ringing out that we Will "be home for Christmas, if only in our dreams." And on the center of the mantel, with the fireplace crackling and popping below, a Nativity Scene sits, recapturing the night in an Inn Stable, when a mother gave birth to a King.
 I have painted for you the beauty that is Christmas. A warmth coming from the words that are known through-out the World. My heart embraces them and then... a sadness finds it's way into my heart. Sadness that the "joy" of Christmas is not felt by every heart that pumps life into our body. For in this world of such abundant love and joy and gifts and food, there are Still those that will not reap the beauty that is our Christmas. Homeless people, that will spend their Christmas searching for a warm blanket and a meal. Children that do not have a Christmas Tree lighting their way down the hallway in the Wee hours of the morning. No gift wrap will be strewn across their floor and no laughter will echo through their homes.
 The reality of this is that more than 1 million children will go hungry this Christmas season. Families that have lost their jobs due to an economy that is struggling simply to hold it's own. And if their are a million children that are hungry this season, that means their are 20 million + that are Not hungry. Why, I ask you? Why, in a world rich with food and resources, would one single child ever have to feel the coldness that can be this season? Are there not enough homes that will have more food at their table than any one family could possibly eat, to feed that child or family? Doesn't the ratio of not hungry to hungry set on a scale that is terribly out of balance? We have the means to assure that not one child goes hungry.
 We have the ability to make certain that these families can fill the warmth of the Christmas Season. So long ago, a baby was born in the city of David we know as Bethlehem. He came to the Earth to bring peace and good will to all men. We, as his brothers and sisters, can carry on that gift to those less fortunate. It is as simply as opening your door to a stranger in need. The blessings that come with giving of ourselves is absolutely the most beautiful gift we have to give. It doesn't cost a dime because you are only giving to them what you would have tossed at the end of the meal. The rewards how ever are Gihugic!  That means Huge and then some.
 This year, give the gift that keeps on giving. Share of yourself and the feeling inside will go on and on for you. Love is free and God's gift to us is eternal life. Make this year the year you start a new tradition or the continuation of an old one. Open your hearts and your door to someone in need. A family that is alone. A soldier that is away from his family at Christmas time. Light a candle with in someones heart and remember what this season is REALLY about. It is about a baby that became our Lord and Savior. It is about sharing and laughter and love.
 
{{Luke 2:8-14 “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.}}}


   Merry Christmas to you all.....

10 comments:

Magdalen Islands said...

Thanks Darrel! Thanks for the reminder. I don't even know if there is anyone here on the islands who will go hungry at Christmas. I don't think so but..., I'm sure there are families in Canada who will go cold and hungry.

Magdalen Islands said...

This is really weird! I'm on the same site..., commenting on the same post..., twice and neither is showing the other.

Darrel said...

Again, I thank you for always reading these blogs. You encourage me in a wonderful way. Hugssss to you from me. Always, Darrel

Josh said...

Uncle D, this is a beautiful picture, but sad at the same time. It is a picture that speaks of the joy of Christ's love and provisions for us, but also of the devastation that sin has brought upon the world. Living in Iowa City, I'm seeing more of the homeless and disabled people who are really hurting and it is not something we want or enjoy seeing. But it's the reality we live in...millions without enough food. And we live in this country with more than we know how to deal with. It's one of the things that makes me yearn for Christ's return. Thank you for your challenge and the reminder of how truly blessed we are with jobs and homes and families. I look forward to seeing you and everyone else this weekend.

Darrel said...

Josh, reality is something that all to often this world chooses not to see. It is easier to shut it out and believe that everyone will have the same Christmas dinner. It is also the worlds way to assume that IF there are hungry somewhere, we have done our best to help them in some way. Imagine if everyone gqave but a tiny portion of what they will eat this Christmas to a hungry person, how many people would truly eat. And truthfully, just the portions we will toss in the trash at the end of the meal would feed a family.
I thank God each and every day for his grace and for the fact that my family is so fortunate. God has been good to us and I give to HIM the glory and praise for what we Will have this year again. Thank you again for reading and responding. We are so looking forward to everyone together at Christmas.

KB said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family sweetie x

Darrel said...

And I wish for you the best of the Christmas season K.B. and may the New Year bring only happiness and love to you. Merry Christmas to you, sweet Lady. Always, D...

KB said...

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas sweet D. I have some Christmas pics on my blog if you want to see what I've been up to x

Darrel said...

I wish the very best for you Karen. I very much enjoyed the video you made and it looked like you were enjoying your man and how wonderful to see coco even if she wouldnt get on your lap/ hugsssssss to you from my heart. Always, D

KB said...

I'm so glad you liked it. Pop in any time. Happy New Year my sweet friend x

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