Christmas. The season of good will, peace on earth and other dreams. A time of decorations and celebration and of giving. Oh, how we like to give and get those presents. We've built an entire custom out of giving and receiving in the form of Santa Claus, and using commercialism to create the spirit of Christmas. We enjoy it so much we've extended it beyond the day, beyond the twelve days, now to the month and a half before and beyond. Some claim that it's not the manner in which we go about Christmas that counts. "Hey!", they will say, even without the birth of Jesus, the reason for the season and the religious holiday which believers and non alike share, all revolves around the spirit of GIVING. Whether it is based on God giving us His Son or Santa giving toys to good girls and boys, it's all about the giving. So they say.
What is giving? Is it how much you spend? Is it the thought behind the gift? Again the answer would be neither. It's not about a price tag or designer's label. The true value of giving, in any form, is based on how much the giver sacrificed in order to give; on how much they had to give up in order that someone else may benefit. Jesus gave up his life in order to give. Santa gives up one night of the year. What do we give up? A few dollars? Time better spent, online or at the mall? Reality, for the sake of a contrived financial festivity?
Isn't it funny how the true meaning of giving comes forth in the fact that to do it right, we have to give... not gifts, but of ourselves, in order that someone else may benefit. It was the example set for us. The more we have to personally give up for ourselves, the greater that gift becomes to others. No matter how small, whether they are even aware (most are not, as their selfishness holds the remote controller). How much has your life changed overall from what you once hoped it would be. Does it benefit others or have you become more focused on self? Does your giving have selfish motives? How much have you given up? There is the true measure of what we have accomplished in life. There is the original gift given to us by way of Christmas. If you decide now perhaps that you have fallen short, there is always Christmas as a starting point of a new beginning, a new birth, a chance to use your life in a deeper and more meaningful way. It's all about the giving... of yourself.
© ...timothyu
What is giving? Is it how much you spend? Is it the thought behind the gift? Again the answer would be neither. It's not about a price tag or designer's label. The true value of giving, in any form, is based on how much the giver sacrificed in order to give; on how much they had to give up in order that someone else may benefit. Jesus gave up his life in order to give. Santa gives up one night of the year. What do we give up? A few dollars? Time better spent, online or at the mall? Reality, for the sake of a contrived financial festivity?
Isn't it funny how the true meaning of giving comes forth in the fact that to do it right, we have to give... not gifts, but of ourselves, in order that someone else may benefit. It was the example set for us. The more we have to personally give up for ourselves, the greater that gift becomes to others. No matter how small, whether they are even aware (most are not, as their selfishness holds the remote controller). How much has your life changed overall from what you once hoped it would be. Does it benefit others or have you become more focused on self? Does your giving have selfish motives? How much have you given up? There is the true measure of what we have accomplished in life. There is the original gift given to us by way of Christmas. If you decide now perhaps that you have fallen short, there is always Christmas as a starting point of a new beginning, a new birth, a chance to use your life in a deeper and more meaningful way. It's all about the giving... of yourself.
© ...timothyu
