The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Everyone you can think of anticipates this time of the year. Commercials and other forms of advertisement brainwash our minds on what to get our loved ones as gifts, and you become part of a rat race that sweeps malls and stores across the nation  like a devouring swarm of locusts... oh Christmastime.

White-breasted Nuthatch

Going out and shopping like this isn't bad at all. We get an extra boost to our economy (because we so desperately need it!), we actually have to be creative on what we get our friends and family... or just get them the new iphone to "Keep up with the Jones's," and you try to make someone happy with what you put your though into... or be lazy and get them a gift card (which there's nothing wrong with). Over the years, the commercialism of Christmas has become a huge deal in the United States and around the world. Companies plan on when to release some of their products for the holidays, and they advertise them with holiday jingles earlier and earlier each year. In fact, they make it seem like that Thanksgiving isn't a big deal! It scares me sometimes. However, there is one Christmas gift that you can give someone. It doesn't cost anything and it keeps giving for the rest of your life. Plus, it's the root word in Christmas.

Long ago (not in a galaxy far far away), God sent His son, Jesus Christ to earth. He didn't come dressed elegantly or power hungry for the latest and greatest, but came in the most humble way: a baby. He also was born in pretty much a dumpy place to house domestic animals, not a castle or palace. Yet, He would grow up with the people around him and teach those how to love their fellow brother and sister. In fact, He loves us so much that he gave his life for us. We are destined for eternity in Hell because of our sinful nature. But, Jesus saved all of humanity through His blood. All we have to do is know that He did this for us and accept Him as our Savior. Through this, He changes our hearts when we follow him so that we can love those around us... I guess you can say it's a gift that keeps on giving.

If you know someone you really care about who needs this gift more then any material thing, share them the real Christmas story and the real true meaning of Christmas. Because one day, we will lose all our possessions of earth, and what will you have then?

On that note, I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and safe travels to y'all!

American Bittersweet