“Regifting the Spirit of Christmas”
For the next four weeks, Monday Meditations will be exploring the Season of Advent and how we can use the act of “REGIFTING” to help us reflect and engage with the Spirit of Christmas.
John 3:22-30
I can’t believe it’s that time of year again. Already. It seems to sneak up on me almost every year and catches me somewhat by surprise. This year, I was shopping for groceries in one of the local stores in my area and paused in the produce aisle when it dawned on me, “they are playing Christmas music!” It was November 6, and, to me, it was much too early to be hearing the likes of “White Christmas” and other famous tunes of the season. What made it even harder to accept was the fact that the weather in my part of the world was unseasonably warmer than normal and there was no snow. I can assure you I was NOT yet dreaming of a white Christmas.
Some people love this time of year. The decorations and festive coffee cups usher in the season with all its colour and worldly tradition. They seem to have a new sense of joy and purpose with the anticipation of all that the Christmas season will bring and thoroughly enjoy the season for as many weeks as they can. Yet, others are so wrapped up (no pun intended) in their family schedules, work challenges and various tasks that they are deaf to the music and blind to the colours and decorations that are placed all around them. They might pause just long enough to experience Christmas for a few short hours as they unwrap a few presents, eat a festive meal, sleep it off, and then get back “at it” again.
Despite how you typically engage with this time of year, one fact remains… Christmas Day will arrive whether you are ready or not.
Q: For you, what gets your attention as the Christmas Season approaches? When does it usually happen? Is this different from when you were younger?
If you were to Google the definition of the word “Christmas”, you would see that the word itself is a combination of two concepts. The first, Khristos, is a Greek word that is a loose translation of the Hebrew word for “anointed”. The next part of the word was originally the Latin word “missa” which is the word the early Catholic churched used to depict the celebration and participation of the act of the Eucharist.
While, the definition of Christmas points us back to its historical roots, I wonder if the “meaning” of Christmas would help us understand how, as Christ-followers, we could bring greater purpose to the season. For me, I have created a personal meaning of the word Christmas and it helps always point me in the direction for what Christ desires of us, not just at this time of the year. Let me explain…
I love going to Mexico. The culture, the people, the ocean, and the sun are so appealing to me. At Christmastime when you see their version of the nativity display the baby Jesus is absent. He is missing. It’s their traditional way of telling the story of the coming of the Messiah and, at this time of the season, he just has not yet arrived. Then something significant happens on December 25; the baby Jesus figure is placed in the nativity. Finally! He has arrived and the true celebration can begin.
The Spanish word for “more” is “mas”. I typically use it this way when travelling to Mexico; “Mas tacos, por favor”. So, when I think of the word “Christ-mas” using my unique translation of Spanish, I prefer it to mean “More of Christ”. As a Christ-follower and Corpath member I could always have more of Christ in my life and business. How about you?
Q: In what areas, specifically, do you feel you could have more Christ?
It doesn’t seem like the most Christmas-like scriptures, but John 3:22-30 supports my meaning of Christ-mas (more of Christ). Take a moment to read this passage.
Here, John the Baptist is busy doing what he does best - preaching and baptizing. He was busy! Verse 23 says that “people kept coming to him”. A couple of verses prior, we see that Jesus was also doing the same thing. Both John and Jesus were proclaiming the Good News and baptizing those who wished to live a new life. Then, as people sometimes do, John’s disciples were feeling threatened by Jesus. In verse 26 they stated, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.” (NLT).
John responds by setting them straight and again proclaims Jesus as Messiah. He’s even overjoyed at Jesus’ success. And then he says this in verse 30…
“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”
In other words (my words), John could be saying “FINALLY! Jesus is HERE! The world needs MORE OF CHRIST and LESS of me!” And with that, the concept of Christ-MAS was birthed! (Not very theological, indeed but interesting nonetheless)
I wonder what would happen if we adopted this same thinking at Christmastime. If we would choose to engage and participate with the concept of “more of Christ” during this holiday season, then perhaps we would help others find the “Spirit of Christmas”.
Here’s one last thought as we enter the Advent Season this year…
God sent his Son to us as the best Christmas gift ever. It is our job to “regift” God’s gift, his Son, to others. Perhaps this is the only time when regifting is appropriate!
Q: How do you intend to “REGIFT Christ” to others this Christmas season?
Prayer:
God, I thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to save us. What a tremendous gift! I ask for forgiveness for the times that I have allowed myself to become more than you. This week, show me those areas where I need more Christ in my personal and professional life. May I willingly regift your Son to those you have entrusted to me. In JESUS name, amen.
Blessings always and all-ways,
Steve Shrout
President
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this email is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development and SPIRITUAL growth.
