Christmas remembered
One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas is the Christmas tree. As a young child I remember my Grandmother’s Christmas tree especially. Unlike our tree at home, it was adorned with simple white lights and crystal ornaments that made the tree sparkle all the more. Added to this was the special time of spending time with my grandparents and other family members.
Both my parents were career individuals, and the holiday season seemed to be a definite break in their daily schedule. They stopped talking about the daily tasks at work, and focused on family matters. It was unique to see them sleep in, talk around the table with my grandparents, and take long breaks to walk around my grandparent’s property or watch a special T.V. program with us kids.
Of course gifts were special during this time of year. And opening presents took place on Christmas Eve, as was grandparent’s tradition, and the Christmas holiday would culminate to a time when we went to church to focus on the true reason of celebration.
This November our students accepted a 27-day challenge, in which they attempted to read the entire New Testament. Within this challenge they encountered the story of Zaccheaus. Zaccheaus was short man, so he climbed into a tree to see Jesus when he was passing by. Not only did he catch a glimpse, but Jesus called to him and said:
“Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:5-10
This story reminds me about something special about our relationship with Jesus during this time of year. Zaccheaus, a man of high standing, disregarded his reputation and personal image and was so eager to encounter Jesus, that he climbed a tree. Luckily we don’t have to climb up a tree to see Jesus. We invite him into our homes as we gather around the Christmas tree with family and friends, and experience God’s love through others.
Zaccheaus reminds us of the importance of blessing others. He became like a child and willingly sacrificed his wealth to please the Son of God. Today the poor are still in our communities. We see an increase in financial giving during this time of year, but even a thoughtful act of kindness is the love of God shown to others. Through sacrifice Jesus continues to declare, “Today salvation has come to this house.” Our students made this type of sacrifice as they blessed our area widows through caroling, and continued to talk about that great experience through the end of finals
Whether through time with your churches, families, and friends I encourage you to find ways to bless your communities this holiday season.
