THE SPIRIT OF GIVING AT CHRISTMAS

 

THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

My daughter walked my five-year-old grandson over to a small neighborhood playground a couple of years ago just before Christmas.  Of course, he was most excited about the advent of Santa’s annual arrival on Christmas morning, as he had selected a couple of toys from a Holiday catalogue and he knew Santa wouldn’t disappoint.

When they arrived back at the house, he was visibly upset which was out of character, especially compared to when he had left home.  When I inquired, she mentioned that a young teenager had driven past the playground and shouted “Santa isn’t real!” within earshot of the kids. Some people believe God isn’t real.

I remembered having the same dilemma years ago when school children were spreading the same rumor.  Fortunately, we had prepared for the moment and explained that Santa is all about the spirit of giving, just like God.  And he has many helpers that are on his team, like the Santa in parades or the one at the department store where we get our picture taken.  We give presents to one another including strangers because we too like the good feeling of Christmas when we give to others.

My grandson understood that reasoning and immediately wandered off to play with a couple of toys that were still present from Christmas’ past.  All was forgotten on Christmas morning when he excitedly opened that one present from Santa which he had requested from the catalogue. 

And we too were uplifted by revisiting the spirit of giving and celebrating the greatest Christmas gift of all from the God of all creation—God’s gift of his son for the redemption of all mankind!  Just as folks can see the Spirit of Giving through Santa, they can see the Spirit of God through our own generous actions!  We remember the words of Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”   

When you generously give the gift of giving,

And expect nothing in return,

You’re not doing business,

But spreading Christmas joy at every turn.

 

And when we leave this world,

For a better home some day,

Some of the things we’ll take with us,

Are joyful memories of things we gave away.

 

—Inspiration from The Christmas Coat