May I speak to Nicole?: Christmas

Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

15 November 2011

All I Want for Christmas is... NOTHING!

It has come to my attention, from email I've been receiving, that you may be interested in sending me (and Katie) a Christmas gift. Wow, thank you! Once again I'm blown away by the generosity and kind hearts of many. Not to mention how impressed I am that so many are thinking that far in advance. Or perhaps sending Christmas gifts wasn't on your radar, but now after reading the first sentence you feel slightly obligated to send your friend in a developing nation a little something. Let me start off by saying how much I appreciate this thoughtful gesture. It actually means more to me than you'll know - especially since it will be my first Christmas away from home and family. That being said I would like to respectfully decline all Christmas gifts this year. Period.

Although we're serving in a developing nation Katie and I have it pretty good. We currently have everything that we need, plus some, here with us! Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy receiving packages with goodies from America in them. But shipping is outrageous and my heart cringes every time I see the cost, especially because there is so much need in the world. So many people fighting just to live, who deserve your gift more than I do. I would much prefer you saving that money to spend elsewhere, perhaps on something more world changing than an airplane ride for a box. And honestly, you've already been giving me the best gift all year- your prayer support.

If my argument was not convincing enough, please consider deferring any gift you were still thinking of sending me to an organization such as: Samaritians Purse, World Vision, or World Hope International. Or if you would prefer to directly support my work you can support one of the Albanian projects. Really, it's a win, win, win situation for everybody. There is no losing involved!

So nothing is what I want. Because giving me nothing for Christmas will be the best Christmas present ever!

25 December 2010

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Isn’t it kind of silly that we get presents on Christmas? I mean don’t get me wrong Christmas morning, sitting by the tree, opening presents is one of my favorite times of the year. But year after year we celebrate Jesus’ birthday by giving and getting ourselves presents. Huh?

Let’s put in the context of our birthday… Each year people celebrate, have parties and exchange gifts on our special day but we’re never included in any of the festivities, invited to the party or given any gifts. I would be crushed! … and if it repeated every year?? Yikes!

BUT thankfully we don’t have to worry about that – our birthday is our birthday. YAY! Each year as we get older the celebration looks different, but it’s still our special day. This Christmas wouldn’t it be cool if we actually celebrated with Jesus on His birthday? Included Him in the day, give Him a present, and make Him the special guest of honor?

Get this: The best gift we can give Him, and the only thing He wants, is free! We don’t have to spend hours trying to figure out the prefect gift, spend tons of money on it or even deal with the crowds at the mall. The only thing He wants for His birthday is you. He wants to know you and have a relationship with you, His favorite child.

How? one might ask. Good question! Simply start by inviting Jesus into your life. Tell Him you want to have a relationship with Him. Talk to Him: ask Him questions, tell Him your problems and fears, tell Him everything good that’s going on, just like you would with any friend of yours. There is no right or wrong way, no special time, or day, or time of the day. This makes giving the gift even easier because all you have to do is be yourself! Check out the bible, do research, ask questions, seek truth, go to church, the list could go on and on…

...And as your relationship grows you will see the irony in all of this is by you giving yourself as a gift to Jesus, you are actually the one receiving the gift.