The first Noel, the angels did say, was to certain poor shepherds in fields
where they lay. And how blessed those shepherds were, on a night that they
least expected and never thought they would be part of. And entering my 60th
Noel next week, I can tell you that I have been blessed on each Noel, and plan
on being blessed until the last Noel. Christmas has always been special, the
presents abundant, and taking old traditions and adding to or establishing new
ones with my family has always been fun. From watching our grandparents spoil
us, to my parents spoiling their grandchildren, a tradition of giving has always
been foremost at our house. We give gifts of love because we love each other,
not necessarily agree with each other, but somehow all is forgiven at Christmas
as it should be, which is why Jesus came to earth, to offer forgiveness, and bet
the way back to a relationship with God. Try wrapping that one under the tree.
Without Christ we just have mas-or a mess. We all can relate to that. And the
season can be one of great joy, or great sadness. Going deeper than the
emotion, but bringing depression to many. Many whose only tradition is a food
line, begging on a corner, or hiding under a bridge. For them Black Friday
means everyday being black with no hope. And Christmas day at best means a free
meal, a few hours off the street, and maybe some clean socks, a haircut and a
bath. Not quite the Noel we sing about, or is shown on TV, or written about,
but a real Noel to many none the less. To those in jail, just another day
closer to release, nothing special, except sadness creeping in. Many have
families, and they are sad without their mom or dad who is incarcerated. The
families look back to the last Noel when they were all together, and hope again
to be. Soon. The homeless I deal with will tell stories of past Christmases
when as a kid, they had fun and many presents. But as they got older, drifted
away, and any religious teaching they may have had, didn’t go with them. It got
left at home as they set out on their own, and ended up on the street, in jail,
or in too many cases dead. Not as the family planned it, definitely not as they
planned it, but one bad decision led to many others, and to a life spiraling out
of control. A story of Christmas that we don’t hear of, or worse yet, don’t
want to hear. Today let’s be different....
All towns have a poorer side of town, ours was referred to as “the colored
section,” where poor blacks lived. Now as kids we never really thought of any
other kids in terms of color or financial status, that prejudice would be
reserved for adulthood. But each year clothing drives would gather used
clothes, new toys, and gifts for these underprivileged families. And I can
remember my dad and I dropping off clothes and gifts on porches, silently, so as
to not alert them, showing a respect and a courtesy to them, not wishing to
embarrass them, knowing without us they wouldn’t have. Allowing whoever saw the
gifts first to be filled with joy, and then sharing with others at home. We
never got to see behind the closed door the poverty, or the joy, it would wait
until school resumed when we would recognize some of our old clothes, worn
proudly to their new owners. And we had a satisfaction that we had given, and
later I would learn of how Jesus set the standard for giving, and why we give at
Christmas, and find that getting is good, but in no way compares with the
giving. Being blessed in both cases..by a loving God.
So over the years I have been part of many Christmas gift givings, from Toy
Runs to delivering food to the needy. And without a doubt, the more I give, the
more I get. And this year is nothing different, as yesterday in our boutique,
where we give away free clothes to those in need, we got be Santa and also share
Jesus. To many who will be without, but out of the abundance of many, these now
have. But as the year goes on, so do the needs. And many are forgotten until
the next Noel, what can we do about it? What will you do about it?
Although as Christians we celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th, we
also celebrate His life everyday. Why can’t we be more giving everyday? The
needs are there, we are there-even Jesus is there? So what’s the deal, what are
we waiting for? For some, it is a tax deduction, for the Pharisee type a chance
to show off by giving in public to be recognized. But Jesus sees those who give
everyday, who have His heart, and give to the poor as needed, who visit those
sick and in jail, and who except for the grace of God, go I. Or you. Last I
remember I am hungry everyday, only to be repeated again the next. My clothes
wear out, and I have daily needs. Which is why God calls it daily bread, for
the body, the mind and the soul. Bread to eat and be filled-hard to think
straight on an empty stomach. Bread to help us emotionally, to give us clear
heads to make right decisions, and bread for the soul-to worship God and have a
relationship with Him. We need all three for a balanced diet, and not just on
Christmas. And every day it is better to give than receive.
My ministry takes me to many people who have little to give, but the things
they do give me are priceless. One man gives me buttons and change to put into
the church offering. Less than the two mites...a gift of Thanksgiving. On days
when it seems hopeless, I receive a letter from the inmates I send these
devotions too-you guys and girl will never know the joy they bring, and always
appear at the right time to cheer me up. Priceless to me, better than many
gifts I receive, they are a gift from the heart, each one saved, hopefully to be
shared with you someday. Seeing men on the street who we have prayed for
greeting us as friends, special too. People many would avoid, I embrace as
friends. Maybe a better class of people than you think. For too often the price
of the gift is considered, when price means little in value if not given in
love. One of my favorite quotes, “money will buy a fine dog, but only love will
make it wag its tail,” is how my tail wags when I receive these blessings. I
get to see Jesus in action, not just from the pulpit on Sundays, but giving all
year round, not just on Christmas. Which despite my poverty makes me a richer
man than those who profess to have wealth. A richness in friends and family-all
because of Jesus.
For some this will be their last Noel, but for some their first in Christ.
Come to Jesus today, and celebrate Him everyday-even on Christmas. Open the
gifts of joy from the heart of Him who has set you free, and pass it on. You
cannot afford not to, for when you truly know Jesus, you just have to tell
someone about Him. For we are all certain poor shepherds, not realizing how
special that first Noel was, but never considering that this one may be our
last. Do yourself a favor, make this Christmas, this Noel the best ever. Share
Jesus in food, clothing, happiness, and joy with others, no matter your
situation. If you have Jesus, you have much more than the richest man who
doesn’t. You have heaven...and forever Noels with Him. Wise men still seek
Him, blessed are those who believe. Merry Christmas to all and those you call
dear, and may we all celebrate together in heaven someday. Jesus Christ, the
only gift that never stops giving. The first Noel, I hope it is not your
last.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com