Christmas WishesPosted by Marshall on December 25th, 2009
This Christmas I fee particularly lucky to have all of my family with me for Christmas. 2009 has has many unexpected turns and the final course if far from what we expected a year ago. It was then that we bought the tiny tree behind us to replace our previous giant because by “2009” we would have downsized and be in a much smaller place. So this year we laugh at our tiny tree but relish the opportunity that we have to all be together in the same house one more Christmas.
Christmas is a fun and exciting time of the year. It is fill with anticipation and tradition. But too often we look past why and what we are really celebrating. It is this day that we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. Born in the most humble of circumstances, to humble parents. Those who first same to worship him were themselves equally humble in circumstance. The shepherds from nearby fields. Yet in this humble circumstance was born the king of mankind. He how would descend below all and rise above all and be the redeemer of all mankind. This humble birth change history, it changed the way we mark time.
Christ gave all of us the greatest gift of all, salvation and eternal life. The giving we do at Christmas should be in remembrance of this greatest gift. We should make an effort to give of ourselves. Not just to those we know but to strangers to the extend our circumstances allow. Did we drop a pocket full of coins in a red kettle? A toy in a box for needy tots? Reach out to a neighbor, forgotten friend or family member. These are the greatest gifts of the season. The toys and gadgets all have their place and in measure are a show of love for those nearest us. But the gifts of ourselves, our time and our talents are the gifts that will bring us the greatest joy and remind us most of why we celebrate this day. For it was the gift of himself that the babe in the manger gave and we celebrate on this day.
This Christmas season I am thankful not just for my family but for the may friends, co-workers and others who have expressed concern and thoughts of support for me. I am grateful for the family members who have unselfishly volunteered to donate part of their liver to me. More than all I am thankful for my wife, without her I would have given up the fight, she is my strength and encourages me when I need it most. The has taken on many burdens and does all she can to support me.
Despite all that has happened I am a blessed and lucky man.