I’m thinking about the last 27 Christmases that I’ve had. They have all revolved around loud family get-togethers, food from my Mom’s chili to the magnificent Oreo Balls, gift exchanges with my friends, watching Rudolph during the first week in December, and of course, trying to give more than I receive. After all, it’s better to give than to receive…right? Well, what about those times when you don’t have anything to give?
This month, Team Unashamed is on Unsung Heroes duty. This means that we don’t really have scheduled ministry. Our role is to scout the country for potential contacts that future World Race Teams can partner with. Usually, the Team who is on Unsung Heroes is in the same country as the rest of the Squad’s Teams. This isn't the case for us. We are in an entirely different country. It’s awesome to see how He has provided for us, but that is for another blog.
Instead of preaching, teaching English lessons, gardening, leading Bible studies, constructing chicken coups, doing house visits, or spending time with kids at the blind and deaf schools, we have meetings. It’s stuff that has to be done to further the impact the He has through The World Race, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. However, it’s definitely not as rewarding.
When I signed up for a July Route, I knew I would not be with my family and my friends. I knew I wouldn’t get my favorite Christmas foods. I knew I wouldn’t get snow. I knew it wouldn’t be a normal Christmas; however, I found rest in knowing that I would be “helping” or “giving” to others which is allegedly what Christmas is all about. That, too, was kind of selfish because I have been known to give just to receive a pat on the back.
I find it no coincidence that I am the Team Leader of a Team on Unsung Heroes during the month of December. Not only are my family, friends, and my favorite holiday traditions stripped away from me this year, but the warm fuzzy feeling of reaching out to others is also taken. This has thrown me for a loop.
I say all of this to answer the question, “Is it really better to give than to receive?” Well, it depends on what is being given and what is being received. This Christmas, I have no other choice but to think about the real reason for the holiday. It’s not about family, it’s not about friends, it’s not about tradition, and to be honest, it’s not about giving. Those are just bonuses.
It’s all about receiving. It’s about receiving the most elaborately planned gift that He has ever given us: His Son. I will admit that there have been many Christmases that I totally ignored what I had received when I accepted Him into my life. It’s easy to do with presents, food, shopping, and the media. This year, I have no choice but to acknowledge this gift. I think to make the right choice for every Christmas in the future, I need a year where I don’t have any say in the matter.
Besides, how am I supposed to give the only Gift worth giving if I haven’t totally received it myself? Yea, this Christmas is different, but it will forever change how I look at what went down over 2,000 years ago.
With that, Merry Christmas to everyone back home! As cliché as it sounds, “Jesus is the reason for the season!”
