Always in Season
The most eloquently wrapped presents and the most expensive gifts are not the ones that leave a lasting impression upon us at Christmastime. Often, the very small “gifts” have the most meaning.
I was speaking to an elementary school in southern Atlanta and I mentioned to the class that one of my friends is a general who is a rebel leader in the civil war in the Congo. The children and teachers were amazed so I pulled out my cell phone and called the general.
At first, the teachers really didn’t believe me until I handed the phone to one of the teachers. She was able to speak to the general, who reminded the children to stay in school. As he was speaking to the teacher, I got the children ready to present the general with Christmas wishes. As I handed the phone to the children, they sang, “We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
As I got back on the phone, all I could hear was silence. The next thing I heard was the general weeping over the joy and love of these precious children for the small, but wonderful “gift” they gave to him that Christmas season.
We are reminded in Galatians 5:22-23:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…”
As a Christian, these virtues should not be individual traits that we possess from time to time. Instead, these Christ-like qualities must be woven together, with love being at the root of them all. Sharing our joy with others, showering someone with kindness and possessing a gentle spirit are gifts we can exchange with others year-round.
