Each year we come to this season with mixed feelings, emotions, and expectations. I can't say that I have looked forward to each and every Christmas, especially the one immediately following the death of my mother in 1992, but I can say that, by and large, Christmas leaves me with the most wonderful memories and experiences of joy, wonder, hope, love, and expectation than any other season. This, I am sure, is due to the emphasis on getting together with family, gathering for a wonderful time of eating our favorite foods, the giving and receiving of gifts, and each and every reflection of the birth of our Savior, Jesus. Yes, from the preparation of the holidays, to the culmination of the celebration with family, friends, and loved ones, it is all woven together to touch hearts with the love of Jesus. For there has never been an event in the history of man that has caused more songs to be written, parties to be attended, presents to be given, traditions to be experienced, and love to be shared, than this one. And, all because of a tiny baby being born, whose event was foretold, but unknown by the entire world except the few who were blessed to have an angel appear, and family and friends with which the news was shared. Other than that, as the song says, "the world in solemn stillness lay", as the Savior of mankind was quietly brought into this world.

Yet, that one event sparked every ounce of reason for this season. A season unlike any other. Why? Because no matter how misguided or exact the reasons may be, one thing is for sure; we all agree that Christmas is about love. A love that both begins, and ends with giving. And, isn't that the nature of love? Doesn't love always give? Yes! That is the measure of real love. Receiving requires no love! You may be thankful, grateful, and filled with gladness when you receive a gift. Or, you may even feel more love for the person who gave the gift. But, the one receiving is not doing the "loving". You may express love "back to" the one who gave the gift by either giving affection, or gifting a gift, but it is impossible, as the recipient to be the one loving. Don't believe me? Well, then ask yourself this question: "Do you feel you are 'loving" that person the moment you receive a gift from them?" If you say "yes" to that question, then your understanding of love needs to be "retooled" at best. Why else would the Lord tell us it is "more blessed to give than to receive"? Because even our salvation, given because of love, cannot be received in love - "Not that we loved Him, but that He first loved us". He gave himself and demonstrated the very essence of its meaning - love!

So, want to determine where your heart is? Do you receive more than you give? At the end of each Christmas do you look at all that has been given to you, and offer nothing in return? It was God who freely gave so that we may give. Do you not feel loved this Christmas? Well, then try giving instead of receiving this year; try giving without expecting something back - simply give.... give...give. It is only then that you will be expressing love, and will be able to receive it back. You will be amazed at how love will just well up in your heart, and you may not received even so much as last years gift - rewrapped! I am telling you - Give, and it will come back to you "good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over"!! Just think, if everyone did this, it would be......you guessed it! A season of incredible love!!!

Have a blessed Christmas!

Pastor Sam

                                                     Click here for Next Page