Sally: I've been looking for you big brother. Will you please write a letter to Santa Claus for me?
Charlie Brown: Well I don't have much time. I'm supposed to get down to the school auditorium and direct the Christmas Play.
Sally: You write it and I'll tell you what I want to say.
Charlie Brown: Ok, shoot.
Sally: Dear Santa Claus, How have you been? Did you have a nice summer? How is your wife? I have been extra good this year. So I have a long list of presents I want.
Charlie Brown: Oh Brother!
Sally: Please note the size and color of each item and send as many as possible. If it seems too complicated make it easy on yourself. Just send money. How about Tens and Twenties?
Charlie Brown: Tens and Twenties?! OHHHH!!! Even my baby sister!
Sally: All I want is what I have coming to me, all I want is my fair share.
Here is the link: Sally's Christmas Letter
Does it seem like we are rushing to get presents? Are we trying to get our "Fair Share"?
Christmas is a time for giving it is true. But we should remember the true meaning of Christmas and maybe we would be wise to follow the example of shepherds over 2000 years ago (Luke 2:8-7, emphasis added):
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
The shepherds made haste to view the savior that was promised. They didn't rush to the local market to get gifts for everyone and their dog. They did rush to the site of the most wonderful event to occur up to that time. The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I think we would do well to follow the example of the shepherds. That this Christmas we should rush to Him instead of rushing to the store. That we might follow the signs given to us today as the shepherds followed the signs the angel gave to them. That we might find him. Because as we sing:
Hark the Herald Angels sing,
Glory to the newborn King.
Peace on Earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.
It was through Him that reconcilement has been made, and it is through Him that we might receive mercy mild.
