Crossroads Community Church

People ask me about the “spirit of Christmas” especially this time of year. They ask as if it’s available for purchase on Amazon or holidayspirit.com! But I see it so much these days in warm greetings, cards in the mail, smiles in line even at the post office. There is something different about people during the Christmas season, isn’t there?

I have a unique seat to watch all of the seasonal miracles acted out. Often I feel like one of Santa’s elves – getting the joy of being the in-between person who delivers the surprise package to someone else who is caught off guard by generosity. Bags of groceries, gift cards, neatly wrapped Christmas gifts, or a tin of freshly baked cookies, express a love and concern that is at the heart of the Christmas spirit.

I and my family have marvelous memories of being caught off-guard by the spirit of Christmas: The “White Gifts offering” on Christmas Eve in our church in Hillsdale, OK that often went to pay for special treats for our growing family; the gift of sending Carrie and I to Dallas to be able to walk at graduation from Dallas Seminary; even the fun of nightly gifts showing up on our doorstep last Christmas season, as the Hair family delighted our family with their version of “The 12 Days of Christmas.”

As blessed as it has been to receive over the years, I still find the greatest joy in giving to others. Usually it has been out of our own need and not abundance, but God has always blessed. Gift giving doesn’t have to be extravagant: a hand-written note well-thought out becomes a prized possession, or the gift of time – a cup of coffee or egg nog and conversation may cause someone to characterize this Christmas as “the best ever.” My best Christmas memories are of family gatherings, laughter, hand-made ornaments, listening again to the miracle of the Christmas story, and seeing the spirit of Christmas touch young and old alike.

If we can just carry that spirit of Christmas over to every day of the year we will truly exemplify what Christmas and especially the Christ of Christmas is all about. I’m reminded of Max Lucado’s words: “For a few precious hours, he is beheld, Christ the Lord. Those who pass the year without seeing him, suddenly see him. People who have been accustomed to using his name in vain, pause to use it in praise. Eyes, now free of the blinders of self, marvel at his majesty. All of a sudden, he’s everywhere… I want to savor the spirit just a bit more… I can’t help but linger on one fanciful thought: If he can do so much with such timid prayers lamely offered in December, how much more could he do if we thought of him every day?”

I pray you experience the spirit of Christmas this season and all the days following like never before. Merry Christmas!

(A couple of great Christmas reads to stir the spirit: God Came Near, Max Lucado, and In Search of the Real Spirit of Christmas, Dan Schaeffer)