Devotionals

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Igniting the Christmas Spirit
By Cathy Irvin

Posted December 18, 2007 - Do you know any Christmas elves? They are those people that are Christmas fanatic’s who shop early, they decorate even earlier and sometimes they volunteer to do everyone’s home. I am a real Elf and this year I got into a decorating frenzy about a week before Thanksgiving. I finally was able to break free this year from all the shopping for gifts and I am purchasing gift certificates so I decided that I would first decorate my house and office, help my church with their decorations and then I would help some friends at the office and spread a little of what I had and was not using or giving ideas and helping to create some themes. There is an elegant Christmas wreath with roses and touches of gold, there is a snowmen winter wonderland theme on a desk and a few odds and ends given to others to use here and there.

It is so much fun to decorate; I really like doing it especially at Christmas time. One more door to do with another elf here at work and it is all done. I must admit after a while I had to stop because it was becoming a part – time job but when my grand daughter called and said she was getting a big tree in her living room with her new furniture,I couldn’t resist and offered to help by purchasing some ornaments.

Christmas is a time for giving, whether it is talents, time or gifts. Jesus gave the very best gift, the gift of Himself so how can we do any less?

I used to see the story of the Christmas Carol year after year on TV as just an old scrooge who hated Christmas, but the real story is when he found the meaning of Christmas. His outlook changed and He wanted to spend his time, money and energy on others.

I have already had a lot of pleasure in my decorating frenzy and enjoy the reward of those who have gotten blessed by these efforts. It is not to bring attention so that I can say “look what I did “but just the joy in seeing family, friends and co- workers get into the Christmas spirit. Like a spark that gets a fire started we are to spread love, joy and good will to others. You have my permission to go ahead and ignite the Christmas spirit around you.

You maybe one of the few that are feeling the holiday blues, or to stressed and you don’t even want to decorate but try and think of someone who does and see if you can help them, you will be surprised that once you start doing something they want that it just might rub off on you.

Even if you purchase a few poinsettias, put out a bowl full of colorful ornaments as a center piece you could possibly get an instant mood lift. If you do nothing else may I suggest that you place a nativity scene on a table to display the true meaning of Christmas and when you do like the flickering flame of a fire your heart will feel all aglow .

It only takes a spark to get a candle glowing; will you be a spark this Christmas?

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