A Living Christmas Card

Why do we send Christmas cards each year? Most of us send cards because that’s tradition, and some of us send cards because someone sent us one. The Christmas card was actually invented by a very wealthy Englisman who was too busy to reach out to all of his family and friends. So he developed a postcard with just a few words to wish them a merry Christmas. Somehow the idea caught on and the Hall brothers in America took the idea to new levels.

Today we have every type of paper card, email and electronic greeting possible to do exactly what was intended by the first Christmas card. Our busyness hasn’t decreased and the card is a nice way to reach everyone, especially those we don’t have much contact with during the year. But as we face more lock downs and no family gatherings for Christmas, the need to reach out to family and friends is ever more critical.

We could send out our cards this year as usual or we could look beyond our own busyness and make our contact with others count for something. I like cards, don’t get me wrong and I’m not saying we shouldn’t follow tradition; but I am saying we should be more intentional with our thoughts and our words that go into those cards. Or perhaps, just because this year is so challenging, why not make calls or use FaceTime or Marco Polo and get more personal?

When the shepherds found baby Jesus in the manger, what did they do? They ran to tell everyone about His birth and about the star that led them to Him. They must have described where He was born and who His parents were. It was with excitement and joy that they shared the great news that the Messiah had been born. Suppose because they were so busy tending their sheep, they decided to send notes to everyone about the greatest event in the history of man? It wouldn’t have been the same.

I’m sure the news of the birth of Jesus lifted many spirits and brought such encouragement to hearts that needed to hear this hope and joy. It must have brought such peace to souls who had waited for so long for the King. Friends, there are many family members and some of your friends that would love to hear an encouraging word right about now. Someone you know may be dealing with loneliness, isolation, depression and anxiety during this time. Someone needs to know that they are cared for and that they count.

This is the perfect season to show up differently. This is the perfect season to take a little more time. This is the perfect season to share the good news of Christ. This is the perfect season to share the hope that only Jesus brings. Be a living, personal Christmas card. Share your good tidings of joy in person. Get creative. Whatever you do, reach out and touch family and friends in a different, more caring way this Christmas. The birth of Jesus is way too exciting to celebrate with just a card.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’ Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy.” Isaiah 52:7-8

Prayer

Lord,

Many are the wonders You have done, the things You planned for me. None can compare with You; were I to speak and tell of Your deeds, they would be too many to declare. I proclaim Your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, Lord, as You know. I do not hide Your righteousness in my heart; I speak of Your faithfulness and Your saving help. I do not conceal Your love and Your faithfulness from the great assembly. I will exalt You, my God the King; I will praise Your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise You and extol Your name for ever and ever. You are great and most worthy of praise; Your greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty—and I will meditate on Your wonderful works. They tell of the power of Your awesome works—and I will proclaim Your great deeds. They celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. My mouth will speak in praise of You. Let every creature praise Your holy name for ever and ever. Amen!


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