Christmas

by Rick Rigsby
December 2011

This is my absolute favorite time of the year. I love the changing of the weather, the football games, the parties and gatherings, visiting family and friends, and of course the scrumptious holiday food!!! And just like yours, my family looks forward to certain Christmas traditions. My wife turns our home into a winter wonderland. Our older sons adorn our home with wives and grandchildren while the younger boys become bakers and chocolate makers. I preside over the fire, and also am responsible for loading the stereo with Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Michael Buble. We then argue over which Christmas movie to watch, only to discover two of us (the oldest—me, and the youngest—Josh) fast asleep before George gets the community donation to buy back his business from Mr. Potter!

When not making memories, I find myself reminiscing on seasons past, as my heart is flooded with memories of a loving mom and dad and how little money never seemed to dampen the Christmas spirit. In fact, our home was always filled with people, as food overflowed off the table, and presents stacked in every corner as though they magically appeared. You see, my folks were givers—they practiced Christmas 365 days a year.

What I love most about the holiday season is that people tend to get into the spirit of Christmas. People are so friendly. It’s wonderful to witness people involved in everything from donating to “Toys for Tots,” to shouting “Merry Christmas” as you exit the grocery store. Such a joyous spirit uplifts everyone. I think people actually smile more in December!

So why not possess and share the spirit of Christmas the entire year? Why do we turn on our generosity at Thanksgiving and turn it off after the ball drops from Time Square? Why not be kind at every opportunity? And why not be generous every day? People in need don’t just suddenly vanish on New Year’s Day!

One of my favorite churches is in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Despite the fact that Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene is in one of the most crime-ridden areas in the entire state, Brother Paul Holderfield, Jr. and his family simply and unwittingly love people, cloth people, feed people and offer people the hope of Christ. In essence, Friendly Chapel observes Christmas every single day. And while Brother Paul and his family don’t own fancy homes or boast of millions in assets, they will be the first to tell you that they are rich—wealthy from doing God’s work for people—all people—especially people who are down, struggling and unable to help themselves. For the last decade I have been privileged to preach the annual revival services at Friendly Chapel—a week-long event that is a highlight for my entire family. I wish I could tell you that the high point of the week for my boys was hearing their daddy preach. But each year without fail, my boys tell me the highlight of the week is when they work in the Soup Kitchen passing out bologna sandwiches and smiles to the hundreds that Friendly Chapel feeds daily.

You want to experience a different kind of wealth this year? Spend the month of December doing something kind everyday for someone. Then, in 2012, ask God how you can use your time, money and resources to offer the Christmas spirit all year long. God will be glorified, people will be blessed, and you will become wealthy beyond measure!

For I was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick and in prison, and you did not visit Me. Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You? “Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ Jesus speaking in Matthew 25: 42-45

Let’s be like Friendly Chapel, and celebrate Christmas all year long!

Rick Rigsby

Christmas

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