Everyone wants a piece

Just a few minutes ago I opened my email to a whole list of promotions all begging me to use up the last of my money on their products, promising that they had that perfect item that would complete my list of Christmas gifts.

They all want a piece of me this Christmas. In our materialistic, consumer-based society, it seems like everyone wants a piece! The stores want our money, our jobs want as much work as they can get - giving the least amount of holiday time possible, our friends and family want our time, the charities want our donations and volunteer hours, the special shows and concerts want our attendance, and the cameras want our smiles. 

Sometimes it feels like we aren't just doing the consuming, we ourselves are, in fact, being consumed by this holiday season. Piece by piece by piece. 

And yet, it's "the most wonderful time of the year"! The time of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Funny that, our greatest desires during this season are usually never realized. Our hopes for a peaceful, joyful celebration surrounded by those we love, celebrating the greatest gift of all, usually go unmet. We have spent so much time consuming and being consumed, that when it all comes down to it, we have nothing left. 

Everyone around us wants a piece, but really... what we all want more is peace. Something we can't get from each other or even ourselves. We ache for that great hope of Christ's return and we pray that we will be filled with joy and love from above. 

At least I hope we do. I hope we stop and let go a little bit this season. Don't be consumed by the holiday, but rather, be filled.

For "every good thing and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation of shifting shadow" (James 1:17). 

Flickers of Christmas

The flickering glow of the fireplace

dances around the room

and the wind whispers frosty carols 

flitting through bare, dark branches

furry slippers keep me warm

and safe

and so cozy

I wiggle my toes, close my eyes

and just let the Christmas air absorb, like the cold

into my bones

my nose

my smiling heart

Perfect blend of gingersnaps, broken pine needles

and vanilla 

the shock of fresh peeled orange

tickles my nose 

I sneeze into the softness of my creamy scarf

and I snuggle deeper into its caress

after tugging my woolly toque 

over my ears 

Amy, Michael and Kenny harmonize

saturating the air with nostalgic joy

the tea kettle whistles 

chocolate swirls and dissolves

rich and sweet

topped with melting whip

like the snow, so anticipated

I lift the curtain one time more

despite disappointment, smile

Mom's voice, soft like wax dripping

in smooth red trails down, down, down

flames testifying to Messiah's advent

glowing, one two three four

hope. peace. joy. love.

flickering together

Let the giving begin!

Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return. - Luke 6:38

I was so blessed yesterday to spend a couple of hours with the Bible School girls out in town shopping. But it wasn't just your average shopping trip! It was truly a special time.

We piled 12 of us into a couple vehicles and hit the dollar story, a regular girl-gang! There was much laughter and smiles as we grabbed baskets and headed through the aisles in search of special gifts; gifts not for ourselves, not for each other, but for little children around the world who have never received anything before. That's right, we were filling shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child! If you have never heard of OCC, let me explain. Samaritan's Purse organizes the program every year in which you fill a shoe box with gifts, hygiene items, school supplies, etc and then they give them out to children in different countries around the world as Christmas gifts. Along with each box, they give the Gospel message. Lives are changed, whole villages are impacted and a child is given a special joy.

Moreover, it is such a joy to be the giver. One of my very favourite Christmas traditions, (and appropriately placed around thanksgiving time as well when we are all very aware of our own blessings) I enjoyed every minute of scouring the store for each special item. I packed the box with love and then my friend,who joined me in buying the gifts for this specific little girl, joined me in prayer for her and the whole program. I know that God can really use my little efforts and make a difference in this little girl's life and I'm excited to perhaps be a part of that blessing. I encourage all of you to get out there and fill a box. National collection week is November 14-21 so there's still time, no excuse people! Check out the website if you have questions: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/FAQ