The Holidays

A time of year called "The Holidays" is something we enjoy;
it's something especially looked forward to by every girl and boy.
We begin our celebrations late in the month of November,
and we hustle and we bustle right up to the last day of December.
We anticipate Thanksgiving Day with anxious appetites,
and we plan, prepare, and partake of a multitude of delights.
We donate food and money to furnish baskets for the needy,
and we suppose this act of generosity keeps us from being greedy.
We thank the Lord for all our blessings and the food upon the table,
for our health, our home, family, and friends and the fact that we are able.
Then we make our Christmas shopping lists and begin an earnest search,
and we look forward to activities with family, friends, and church.
We sing and speak of the Christ child whose birth we celebrate.
We give canned goods, toys, and clothing for those less fortunate.
We attend our banquets and our parties, exchange gifts and distribute cards.
We decorate our homes, our packages, and our yards.
We scurry to and fro and speak of little elves.
We give to Lottie Moon and satisfy ourselves.
But if we slowed down long enough, would we see more than lights and glitter?
Would we see a fatherless child who needs a fatherly baby-sitter?
Would we see the darkened home whose rooms are drafty and chilled?
Would we see the ailing widow whose wood box is not filled?
Would we see the hollow-eyed child who needs more than a second-hand toy?
Would we notice the eager, able hands of someone unemployed?
Would we spot the lonely, older couple with hearts of resignation,
whose only need is company, laughter, and a little conversation?
Would we see a home-bound neighbor who would appreciate a ride
to see the beautiful sights of winter and Christmas time outside?
Would we remember the elderly person who no longer lives at home,
or the person on the street, who is forced to roam?
We thank the Lord at Thanksgiving and praise Him on Christmas Day,
but do we understand the meaning of following in His way?
Do we exchange gifts with friends and family and receive some satisfaction
of donating cans and toys without any true sacrificial action?
As we spend money, time, and effort putting nativity scenes on our shelves,
do we live as Jesus lived -- do we give of ourselves?
Especially at this time, but throughout the whole year, too,
I'd like to ask the question, "What would Jesus do?"

And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, "What do you want me to do for you?" They said to Him, "Lord, we want our eyes to be opened." And moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him. - Matthew 20:32-34.

From November 11, 1986