I wonder, has our Savior’s birth become more about us than Christ?
We busy ourselves hanging lights and placing bulbs on evergreen limbs, fight hordes of shoppers to purchase gifts for those who already have so much, and stuff ourselves on delicious things to eat. We sing carols, pass out candle canes, and send dozens and dozens of Christmas greetings. We place managers upon our mantles, read the the Christmas Story, and light candles on Christmas Eve.
But…do we pause…for Christ?
Do we realize there are 2 billion people in the world who have never heard Christ’s Name?
Do we remember the millions who suffer around the world…who don’t string lights and hang bulbs, who don’t have money for gifts…or food…or even shelter?
Let’s not forget the gift of Salvation that we have been given, and be the gift to someone who truly needs the light of Christ.
Blessings, Kasey
Thank you for the reminder Kasey! God inspired us to start a Christmas budget per person in our immediate family about 5 years ago. Out of that known budget for each, we each picked gifts out of the WorldVision Christmas Catalog. It has been an awesome tradition and actually “cost” us something out of what we could have gotten. We now pick the gifts out of the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Catalog because they seem to get more for the money we contribute and their is more selection to choose from. Here is a link: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/gift-catalog-2014/
LikeLike
Carolyn, What a great way to model the love of Christ with your children! It blesses us to bless others. Thanks for including the link to Samaritan’s Purse! Blessings and grace, Kasey
LikeLike
The older I get, the more these words resonate within me. It’s a season for helping others and forgetting about our selfish wants. I’m doing to make that a focus of the holidays this year for sure!
LikeLike
Anita, Yes…this season of our Savior’s birth should be a time of helping others and blessing those in need! So glad you dropped by! Grace and peace to you, Kasey
LikeLike
This post encouraged me! I enjoy skipping the whole gift giving scene ( because it’s a huge project in my case…nine children & nine grandchildren ) & write a check to a trustworthy charity. I’m sure that is a shocking idea to some people, but I really do think of my family as extremely wealthy compared to most of the world. We still get together a lot for food and small gifts here & there for the little ones. It saves me a lot of stress & work & I can enjoy the holiday. I make sure to let everyone know that I donated on their behalf! Love & prayers, in Jesus, Cynthia
LikeLike
Cynthia, I think it’s just wonderful that you us the resources that God has blessed you with to be a blessing to others! Yes…those of us who live in the US are some of the wealthiest people on earth. You are so right…when we cut out all the hustle and bustle of the season we can focus on what truly matters-Christ and our families. Love and prayers to you as well, Kasey
LikeLike
I used that same verse in a post on my blog today! I love how God works. 🙂 And I’m glad I linked up next to you at the Soli Deo Gloria gathering.
LikeLike
Kristin, I popped over to your blog…it’s really cute. You had some great resources for helping children. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us! Blessings, Kasey
LikeLike
Oh My…that video! It hits so deep because although I know this in my heart, I get so caught up in the hype and the *season* instead of pausing for Jesus. Thank you for this beautiful inspiration! And thank you for linking up to Inspire Me Monday! I am so glad to connect through this and am looking forward to reading more!
LikeLike
Angie, Yes…I too, can relate to all the hype of Christmas. The last few years I’ve tried to keep Christmas simple. Thanks for hosting Inspire Me Monday. Blessings and grace, Kasey
LikeLike