The obvious spirit of that first Christmas was one of being blessed, of having received mercy and grace from God. . . .
In our attempt to find the true spirit of Christmas, then, we need to be able to define its counterfeit. A variety of things can make us feel good during the holidays, but many of them are cultural messages. The true message of Christmas humbles us. It shows us for what we are: poor, blind, deaf, and dumb receivers.
This season when you are preparing your gift giving and your charitable Christmas projects, focus not on what you are able to give, whether great or small, but on what you have received [from God]. Let the grace and mercy you have received at His hands first fill your heart, and then flow through you to others. In so doing, you are inviting others to join in your grateful celebration. Allow yourself to experience the wonder and joy of gratitude in this holy season. . . .
We are both receivers and givers at Christmas. Let's just remember which comes first.
~In Search of the Real Spirit of Christmas by Dan Schaeffer
For more on the true spirit of Christmas listen here.
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