True gifts

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Jamie Danford
  • 94th Airlift Wing chaplain office
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --   Holidays can be calm and busy, peaceful and stressful, or relaxing and chaotic. It is a paradox that we see when the expectation of the event has overtaken the meaning of the event.

I see this example often in weddings. At the core a wedding is two people pleading their love to each other, and in my tradition, is done with an understanding of God’s grace and blessing upon them. In the simplest expression, that is what is taking place. However, the modern expectation also adds about $15,000 worth of clothes, flowers, food, pictures, etc. that can honestly add a crushing expectation to this simple expression. The wedding day becomes so important, that the marriage itself is actually forgotten.

Holidays can be the same. I celebrate Christmas, and what we see happening around us goes well beyond the original message of Christmas. Think of how much of our attention at Christmas time is focused on the gifts inside the box? We shop, buy, wrap, label and place the perfect gifts under the tree. Then on Christmas morning the real frenzy begins! We all want to see what gifts await inside the boxes.

When the festival of frenetic frivolity that is Christmas morning subsides, what are we left with? Normally, a big mess to clean up, new stuff to find a place for, and by January 15th the credit card bill!

I know not all of us celebrate Christmas. For those who do celebrate Christmas, we don’t all celebrate it the same way or with the same intensity. However, the holiday season has expectations that are placed upon us. It is my hope that this can be a joyous time for renewal, peace, hope and joy. Look past the glitter, lights, tinsel and gifts to the core meaning of the season. Find the reality that transcends our situations and cannot be purchased in a store. Say “no” to the hectic schedule and spend time with those you love, being thankful for the blessings we have received.

This season, focus on the gifts that are contained outside of the boxes.