Service not Stuff

A few years ago I was struck by the chaos of Christmas feeling that it had become so commercialized and that Jesus had been lost.  I started looking around at displays, listening to the music of the season, watching Christmas entertainment and reading the holiday messaging and found the holiday was almost completely devoid of Christ. The pressure I felt to get decorated, buy gifts, attend events, send cards felt more of a burden than ever. I came to my breaking point one year and prayed how could I celebrate the holiday well and honor The Lord without getting caught up in the chaos. Certainly if Jesus were here in the flesh, this is not what He would endorse. 

I would like to propose to you that it is service not stuff that is the most profound gift you can give at Christmas and would honor Christ more than any trinket you can buy at the Christmas.   

Jesus gave of himself. He started at Bethlehem leaving his place in Heaven to take the form of a child in poverty. He grew and applied himself at his father Joseph's trade, but being God he offered services unique to himself. He healed the sick, the blind were made to see, the lame walked. Jesus even raised a few from the dead. Jesus offered Heavenly wisdom to us here on earth as he travelled He told us about the Father's plan for salvation offered I those who would place their trust in Him. Finally, Jesus offered the greatest service anyone could; he took our penalty for sin and gave us all the hope of Heaven. So Jesus was the prototype of service, not stuff. 

From a completely human perspective, service not stuff speaks more personally to our loved ones. Offering the greatest of all we have: time, talent and our attention. Service is love in action that makes anything purchased look cheap in comparison.  Finally, service not stuff breaks the hold of materialism and demonstrates that true love is not found in a box; it comes in the form of flesh. 

I would like to offer a few practical suggestions for your gift list and would welcome even more ideas from our readers:

Cleaning of a closet

Spending the day doing activities with your loved ones - really engaged

Detailing a car

Child care for date night

Make a dinner for a busy working person

Take a shut in out to see Christmas lights 

Offer to pray for someone specifically and daily

Washing windows

Hand made goodies

My husband's favorite - massage

Foot rub

Makeover

Pedicure 

Service humbles us and honors the recipient. I hope you will consider integrating service into your gift list this year.