When Does Christmas Happen?

When Does Christmas Happen?

When does Christmas happen for you? In The Salvation Army we are kept very busy with Christmas happenings. The first stage is planning. We plan how we will do it all. (This usually takes place in the summer.) For the needs of the community the next stage is the interviewing. We interview people to see if their families will qualify for Christmas assistance or if another partner agency will help them. Then we interview prospective volunteers and employees who will be responsible for raising money at a kettle which will go toward taking care of people. The next stage is gathering. We have to gather all the resources we need to take care of the people who have been identified as those we can help. The next stage is the delivery and distribution of resources. We have to get those resources to the distribution sites and that takes even more volunteers. (Praise God for volunteers.) Then you have the clean up stage which takes you long past Christmas Day. Finally you have the thank you letters and reports. Oh, don’t forget about evaluation and planning for next year. That is a lot of happening.

In addition to the community needs for Christmas, there are the congregational needs of the corps, the needs of family, the officers in charge, and the needs of the organization. Add to that the pressure society and culture put on us to purchase and give gifts, send cards and be merry. We have a lot driving us and a lot happening. These things can keep Christmas from happening.

During our corporate times of worship we read the Christmas Story, sing the Christmas songs, and hear or preach the Christmas sermons. That should help Christmas to happen, but even the most alert and devout among us can miss Christmas.

For me Christmas is that one special glimpse of God’s love where He gives me a special miracle moment for a memory. Once it was in the tears of a grateful mother at the Toy and Joy Shop who was now able to give her children food and toys. Once it was tiny senior woman that opened the door to us so we could deliver a food box and tree. Once it was the surprised look on my husband’s face because he was not expecting to get two sweaters. Another time it was the awkward moment with my family as I tried to read a Christmas scripture and began to cry because they did not seem to hear the truth because their hearts were hardened by all the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Many times it has come while I was singing a familiar carol and discovered new meanings to a phrase. One time it was a young person from our corps giving me a gift that they had sacrificed time and money to obtain. God designed me in such a way that gifts of time and revelation are more important than things. So I have to remember that He will send Christmas in the way I least expect it. I have to keep my eyes and heart open to receive it.

How about you? How does Christmas happen for you in the midst of Christmas happenings?

The magi were looking for it, but in the wrong places and had to be put back on the right path. The scholars had preconceived ideas and missed it. The shepherds were in a quiet place and were surprised by it. The angels announced it. Most people missed it. Many of us still miss it. Please don’t miss Christmas this year.

Hark the herald angels sing: “Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled.” This was the description on the new born King. Jesus was God’s peace offering, offered in mercy so that humankind could be reconciled with God. Jesus was the spotless lamb given as a sacrifice so that we could know the love of God. Jesus is God’s gift of Grace! For me this was Christmas this year. Has it happened for you?

Win One Woman – Win Our World for Jesus’ sake!