True Holiday Spirit

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"

Luke 2:41-49

Jesus came to give.

Take a minute to think about what you want for Christmas this year. Maybe you've made a list or suggested some items to family and friends as gift ideas. Do you want a new item of clothing or a gadget? We all have certain things we desire this time of year.

But think about some things that money can't buy that would make great gifts to others this season. Some gifts you can give this Christmas are beyond monetary value: mend a quarrel, dismiss suspicion, tell someone "I love you." Give something away-anonymously. Forgive someone who has treated you wrong. Turn away wrath with a soft answer. Visit someone in a nursing home. Apologize if you were wrong. Be especially kind to someone with whom you work. Give as God gave to you in Christ, without obligation, or announcement, or reservation, or hypocrisy. Provide a meal to a less fortunate family. Go Christmas caroling to the home of an elderly person. Give presents to children in the hospital. Do something that has more value than that of a price tag.

Some people talk about getting into the "holiday spirit" and while some people may interpret the meaning of that spirit differently. God tells us two holiday spirits He desires for us to have.

Spirit of Obedience. Jesus shows in Luke 2 that while He was growing and maturing, a time came in His life when He and His parents traveled to Jerusalem for Passover. As they were there, He spent time in the Temple, ministering to people and conversing with the religious leaders. While Joseph and Mary questioned His actions, Jesus made clear His intentions: "How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"

Jesus was obedient to the Father's business even while much activity was going on about Him. God guided His steps, and Jesus obeyed. Where is God guiding your steps this season? Does He want you to witness to a friend, family member, or someone you've met? Have the holiday spirit of obedience this time of year. Be tender to God's will and obey His every leading.

Spirit of Giving. While some people are focused on what they will receive this year, focus on what you can give. Jesus' entire life on earth was characterized by giving. He came to give. He gave sight to the blind, strength to the weak, life to the dead, hope to the discouraged, and joy to the sad. Ultimately, He came to give us eternal life.

Ask God what you can give others this year. You might not have much but as God leads you, be willing to give to those who have even less than you. The gift doesn't have to be much, but the heart you put into it makes all the difference. Remain open to God's plan for you this season and exhibit the true holiday spirit of obedience and giving.