So I said I wanted to continue my previous conversation.  As a believer, I have always been taught the real meaning on Christmas.  Every time I got a little out of control with "wish lists" I was brought down a few pegs to see that "things" are not what Christmas is all about. 

I began thinking about family at this time of the year.  I have been blessed - truly.  For a season of time I had an immediate family.  I spent a few years alone, but I know that I was not really alone.  The Lord was always there with me.  And now that I have relocated to KY I have entered another season of my life.  I live close enough to my parents to not be alone, but I also have a new relationship that may be the onset of new traditions.  I am blessed. 

However.....

In working for the last few weeks, ALREADY decorating the store with Christmas decor and listening to music, displaying wonderful movies, music, and ornaments, being totally surrounded by the Lord and His birth, I am reminded that even believers have the real meaning of Christmas slightly skewed.  Yes, family and friends are important. Yes, giving is more special than receiving.  Yes, things are over-rated.  But to put anyone or ANYTHING before remembering our Lord's birth and the holiness of this Babe in the manger, is forgetting the REAL meaning of Christmas.  Even those people who spend time picking out the "perfect" creche scene and finding a place of honor for that scene in their home are just slightly missing the mark.  (Now that I think of this, is this bordering idolotry?  Just thinking.)

So, here I sit in my recliner thinking about my relationship with my Saviour.  What would He want me to do during this time of the year, and the whole year through?  Who does He want me to be with?  What does He want me to do with my time, talents, and resources?  Does He recieve any honor or glory if I am stressing out about what foods to prepare?  Does He put any weight to my piddly efforts of making extra money in order to buy the "perfect" gift for that special person?  Is He pleased that I lay my talents aside (that He has blessed me with, by the way) because I would rather do what I want to do with my own time?

I have to be honest.  All this is so much easier said than done. I go to work and talk with people all day long.  I am humbled that I get the opportunity to work with such wonderful people who love the Lord and love each and every ministry opportunity presented to them.  It is easy to "remember" the real meaning of Christmas there.  But the minute I walk through my front door, something happens.  Somehow it becomes "all about me".  It's about doing what I want to do, when I want to do it.  It's about NOT having a family to think about.  It's about sitting and doing what I want to do and NOT asking what the Lord wants me to do.

So, let's come full circle.  Now that I see what Christmas is NOT about.  Now that I have decided what I SHOULDN'T do.  What am I actually going to do about all of this?  I have to admit, I have a difficult time even writing it because it will mean you might hold me accountable.  Well, I think my first step is loving people.  When a person takes the time to love, you get to know that person and what they need in their life.  I want to do what the Lord lays on my heart to meet that need.  I want to be His hands and feet.  I might see a potential gift for a person and imagine the look on his or her face were they to open it, BUT....it would still be about MY pleasure wouldn't it.  I am determined to make this about my being the vessel through which the Lord will bless others.  And hopefully, it will not stop but continue through the rest of the year.

Who's with me?