What does Christmas mean to you?
For most of us, Christmas means sparkly lights and seeing family,
And celebrating Christ coming to a manger from above.
But what is the true meaning of each year's traditions?
Behind all the activities is the reason - It is love!
Look beyond all the presents, look closely and you'll see
Love is working in hearts and act out throughout the day.
Just watching my family made me realize this anew
How blessed I am by my family's many acts of love today.
Love is setting your alarm when the house is still all quiet
To get up and make breakfast while the rest are still asleep
Its installing toilets, grouting tile, and fixing guest bathrooms
While others play games and talk on Christmas Eve.
Love is packing and sharing everyone's favorites;
And baking days in advance to bring sweet treats to all.
It is the lending of your stove to a neighbor's whose broke,
Helping bake their honey ham and 14 pound butter ball.
Love is driving in the traffic and rain to see your family,
With air mattresses and sleeping bags to stay overnight.
Its inviting your single neighbor over to eat lunch
And spend Christmas day hanging out with our bunch.
Love is sweeping and cleaning up for your hostess
And making coffee or hot chocolate for the family.
Its helping with the baby and giving her a bath
Or giving her a bottle and playing until she laughs
Love is all the thoughtful little gifts
That you needed and never mentioned
It's the heartfelt generosity and
Joy that is found in giving.
But most importantly, Love is deep enough
To remember the first and greatest gift.
It's the Christmas story and a sowing little seed
In English and Spanish for all to hear as we read.
This is Love in action - it is seen in God toward us
In sending us His Son to live to die upon a cross.
But do we love others truly? And share this great news?
May we tell others of His gift - it last longer than toys or shoes!