Christmas Opportunity

Been thinking about how to keep from being distracted by the immediate, the irrelevant cultural tasks & things that we Americans have piled onto the materialistic indulgence we call "Christmas." Been trying to keep my schedule simple, so I can stay focused the the true spiritual significance of Christmas. Read about that first Christmas in John 1 this AM: "He was in the world, the world was there through him, and yet the world didn't even notice." Been praying that I would be more conscious of God, of Jesus, in everyday life; he showed up today! Ed called me up, missed his bus connection and was stranded about 12 miles from my home; his car is broke, and he's broke, and has no other resources to call on. Ed attends my church. I recalled what Jesus said: I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (Matthew 25:40) I thought: I have an opportunity to give Jesus a present today, through helping one of his followers. In driving Ed home, I discovered that he runs a plastic injection machine in front of an open door all night; and he's in need of set of warmer work clothes. Looks like I can buy Jesus a pair of Carharts for Christmas. In the meantime, I've loaned him my car. Got me to thinking: we can transform our holiday by being alert and willing to helping out someone less fortunate; someone in genuine need. Instead of ourselves, we could give "Jesus" birthday presents for a change. Jesus, help me to notice, and respond to you when you show up this Christmas season. Amen.