Are you ready for Christmas?
That’s the question of greeting for everyone these days, it seems. But just what does it mean?
For most, it means have you finished decorating, purchasing gifts, buying the groceries and planning the menu. But, within all of the hurry and bustle of those preparations, are we preparing the most important way? Are we preparing our hearts?
This weekend, on an errand to pick my daughter up from work at a store in the mall, I was rudely accostedby a woman (I will not call her a lady, considering her actions) making an obscene gesture. She was with a man and two small children and outwardly gave the appearance of a nice little family.
But, her gesture revealed an ugliness inside.
It matters not how many gifts we purchase, nor how expensive they are, if wehave not love, kindness, within our hearts to share with others, then it’s futile and vain.
At Christmas, I think of the birth of Christ and what an awesome thing it is that the King of the universe, the Creator, became a man.
I’m awed, humbled to consider that God became a baby in a woman’s womb, was born, was nursed and diapered by his human parents and chose to walk this earth for 33 years prior to being crucified for each of us.
As one who has given birth to nine babies, I’m struck by the overwhelming simplicity, yet complexity of it.
If Jesus can so humble Himself, can we do no less?
Is there anything too low for us in service to others?
This Christmas, let us serve one another with love.
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Editor’s note: Annette Beard is the managing editor of The Times of Northeast Benton County. A native of Louisiana, she moved to this area in 1980. She has nine children, one grandson and another grandson due in April. She can be reached at annetteb@nwaonline.
com.
Opinion, Pages 4 on 12/22/2010