Some of the best moments of my life are typically spent lying down, sleeping and staying still. HAHA, nah I’m just playing! I’ll admit that I certainly do enjoy those ‘activities’ however, the best times definitely occur when I can make others happy - wouldn’t you agree?
We are well deep into the Christmas season and it’s only a few sleeps away until December 25th! When celebrating this special occasion, my whole family on my mother’s side usually gathers in one place on Christmas Eve. Us kids will often host game nights or present videos we’ve filmed ourselves, whilst feasting on good food and laughs. For a couple years actually, most (if not all) the cousins sang Christmas carols at nursing homes/aged cares, and donated at shelters. If I remember correctly, those experiences still remain memorable to a lot of us (and I’m sure some residents at the homes!) because we were able to at least give others something to smile about.
Christmas time is not the only time we are encouraged to spread joy and give love - God requires us to do that every day, even in the little things we do. It’s hard sometimes to give when all you want to do is take, like when you really need to contemplate whether to buy that bubble tea just for yourself or for the whole family. In the end, the smiles, thank you’s and appreciation of your kind doing makes you feel absolutely incredible - even if your bank account is screaming for a bit of love too.. 😬
A lot of people will say that Christmas is about family, food or gift giving, but really we are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour. Sure, we might associate this time with giving and receiving gifts, but let us also be reminded that Jesus himself is a gift to us, and we, a gift to Him. So, in the week leading up to Christmas, let us prepare ourselves to give Jesus our best version of ourselves. My grandpa said the other night, “giving is receiving” and I totally, wholeheartedly agree with that. Whether it’s giving or forgiving, I guarantee you’ll find a greater joy than you would have felt only in receiving or taking. A greater reward awaits you, should you continue to give to others and give to God.
nica.
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