Ever have one of those years when the spirit of Christmas never dwelled within your heart? Or try as you may with gifts and decorations, the season never settled in your home? Well, let’s just say that has been my Christmas season this year.
I’m not sure why the disconnect. I guess it could be a number of things:
– first Christmas without my daddy
– first time in a decade I didn’t go on a three-day shopping spree after Thanksgiving
– circumstances didn’t allow my house to be decorated by Dec. 1st
– my son got engaged and I had to plan a celebration
– or maybe the fact that my daughter spent 4 days in the hospital
Whatever the reason and why Mr. Grinch stole the Christmas spirit from me is still a mystery. But as of December 20th I still had no decorated tree, nor a present in site. But somewhere in these last 4 days – Christmas happened.
It didn’t happen in the form of packages, boxes or bags. It happened in the realm of giving to children, men and women. It didn’t happen because my house finally got decorated and the boxes neatly wrapped. (neither happened) No, it happened when I was out loving on those who wondered if Christmas would even come or if family would even remember them with a note or a call.
Christmas came when my church hosted a children’s movie night “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and gave 300+ presents to children from the community. Christmas came in the form of hugs from children, sticky candy on the floor, and smiles as big as Texas from those receiving gifts. Christmas came alright and it came big!
Christmas came as I visited the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility a few days before Christmas and my church provided 120 meals for the men and women residents there. Christmas came as I led the prayer before the meal for the women. Christmas came when the women cheered that we would be coming every Sunday beginning in January for studies and worship. Christmas came as they hugged me and thanked me with the sincerest of hearts as we left. Christmas came alright and it came big!
Christmas came and it had nothing to do with packages, boxes or bags.
Christmas came and it had nothing to do with me, myself or I.
Christmas came when I was loving on those who needed Christmas love this year.
Oh yes, Christmas finally came and it came big!
Merry Christmas!
Tell me about your Christmas experience this year. When did Christmas finally come to you?
I love this, Alene. I know the two quickest ways we can get ourselves out of a funk are to praise His name and give to others. I'm so sorry for all your hardships this season, but at least we know the hard times let us see just how big our God really is. Saying a prayer fora ll of you right now. Blessings to you! <3
You're words are food for my soul this morning. Than you!
Amy and Barbie – serving others sure sets every thing in the right order. It helps give God perspective to life itself. Merry Christmas girls!
Hi there!!
I'm pretty sure I live in Christmastown, or some form of it, I am generally a happy spirit and not easily distracted by the things that go wrong in my life. I did have a struggle over the summer with my kiddo leaving me for college as you know, but I shook that off and remembered ALL that was/is and great in my life. AND that is what I wish for you. I'm happy that you found your Christmas, I'm even happier that it came in the when you were helping others!!!! I wish nothing but the best for you and your family now and in the new year!!
Alene, I hear you on this. This year has been tough for us. I wasn't sure how we'd even do Christmas because my husbands' business has not made much money at all and we've been more than stretched. But Christmas came. Came in anonymous gifts on our doorstep for our boys. Came in blessings of provision. Came in Jesus doing a work in my heart and showing me how much he loves me through the kindness of others. So glad it came for you too and praying that this Christmas day finds you well and all wrapped up in His love for you. Merry Christmas!
Leah @ Point Ministries has left a new comment on your post "When Christmas Finally Came":
What precious faces in those pictures!!
Alene, I have trouble find Christmas most years. Not sure why either. However, for the past two years, Christmas came on December 24th when I had the incredible honor of being part of our church's Christmas Eve services. In fact, I organized and spoke. It was all done by the ladies of the church and the response from the community was stunning.
Jesus was lifted high and praised mightily and people from many faiths came together in our candlelit chapel. What a Christmas blessing.
I agree Christmas was much delayed and not in it's usual form this year for many I have spoken to. Praise you O God that Christmas did come a long time ago in a manger! The timing and the wrappings certainly not what was wanted by those who were there! But it came ANYWAY!
:)
Amy