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We've all been given wondrous gifts to use and to share with others. They can be gifts such as strength or the ability to solve problems well. They may be gifts such as compassion or understanding. Whatever our gifts may be, there are still times when we're challenged by life. It may seem that what we have to work with isn't enough. There are times when we need to be encouraged... strengthened... or even empowered by others.
As we participate in competitions, fulfill job responsibilities, improve ourselves in classes and volunteer to help others, we are supported in many ways. There are awards for competitions, promotions in our jobs, scholarships for our scholastic efforts and various recognitions given to our volunteers... From these acts, we're familiar with others supporting and encouraging us.
This time of year, however, we have the opportunity to relate to each other in a bigger way. We're now coming into the Christmas season (remember the 12 Days of Christmas, that begin on Dec. 25?). This is a time of gifts, and since we have the New Year beginning during Christmas, many of us look at how we can improve ourselves as we think of New Year's resolutions. We need to see that our celebration of Christmas... can help us with our New Year's resolutions.
Christmas is a time when we celebrate receiving the greatest gift of all -- Jesus Christ. On Christmas Day we celebrate receiving this great gift. We then have 12 days to fully enjoy and grasp the full meaning of this gift from God. As I mentioned earlier we receive gifts that provide encouragement to us throughout our daily lives. We need to see the gift of Jesus Christ as the ultimate gift of encouragement. Jesus is a gift that enhances our lives. He gives us courage, and comfort, in times of need. Jesus shows us our strengths and gifts, and guides us in how to use them. Jesus is the Christmas gift that will always be a part of us, now and forever.
It's up to us to recognize, and accept, the gift of Jesus Christ. He is a part of us, and we are a part of him. We should find ways to remember this every day. However, for the benefit of our Christmas season celebration, I challenge you to just start with doing this for the 12 days of Christmas... Look for a way each day to see how Jesus Christ affects your life. Look for a place in your day where you can see Jesus at work around you. You might see Jesus present in the way you address a particular task. You may even see Jesus being an influence on someone else. Remember, even seeing Jesus at work in someone else, should still be a source of encouragement for you.
It's important that we see what the celebration of Christmas does for each of us. We need to see Christmas as a source of strength, comfort and encouragement. Just because we're coming to Dec. 25, it doesn't mean that it's over. That's the end of commercial Christmas. The real Christmas is just beginning... and what it means to you, is also just beginning. Then, the real question becomes... Can you continue this throughout the year?
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Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week's column comes from Pastor Gary Shumway of Garman Lutheran Church in Pine Creek and Grace Lutheran Church in Jersey Shore.