Christmas is coming up very soon! It's a genuine time for everyone; presents, family, cold weather, carols, and the best part, Jesus's birthday!
I think a lot of people these days don't get a full grasp of Christmas and it's real meaning. We all know why we celebrate it, but not everyone can completely embrace the feeling of the holiday. Yes, Jesus, lord and savior was born, and he saved all of us 33 years later, but does it dig deeper than that? Maybe to something that blends in with modern traditions?
One of the most beloved parts of Christmas, no matter your religion, is gifts. Everyone loves opening them and enjoying them, some enjoy giving them (it should be most, but that's another topic entirely), it's just a fun time for everyone involved! However, look back in history about 2000 years ago. This may not be the exact date Jesus was born, but it is a holiday to celebrate a gift that GOD granted to the entire world, his son. Now, we all received a bonus 33 years later in the form of his death and granting the ones who choose to accept it eternal salvation, but this is the first example of a moral gift.
Wait a minute, what do I mean by first?
Well, each person is granted their own gift morally that is used for GOD's glory. For example, some have the gift of a beautiful voice in order to sing songs of his praise, while others use fame and exposure to try to witness. I personally received the gift of ministry, mainly youth. However, not everyone is called to witness. That may seem a little blunt to a few of you, but it's true. I will admit it right now, I do not have the gift of missions, as I like to call it. I don't really feel called to go to Africa and spend time in corn wheat huts spreading the love of Christ; it's just something that I didn't get from GOD, and I'm OK with that.
There are a lot of people, including myself, who try to use gifts that GOD didn't grant them. I know our hearts our in the right place, but sometimes we get a little too passionate and it can sometimes dig us six feet under. Like I said, it's very difficult for me to go overseas and witness to someone of a foreign language. It's just one of those things not built in my religious infrastructure. However, I feel like I don't need to try until I feel GOD truly tugging at my heart strings and telling me to go to somewhere and spread his word. I do, though, have my sword and shield handy, just in case I am called.
This may be a downer for some people, but don't let it be. GOD is using you for his glory in some way, whether it's more open or subtle, we all have something that he gave us for his benefit. So don't feel discouraged, we are all blessed in our own way. And in the end, it will all pay off!
