“Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another….As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.”
~ Esther 9:19, 22
Read through that again, and give extra note to the underlined portions --- doesn’t that sound like Christmastime, girls? Of course, these days of Purim that the Jews celebrated were about something completely different than the birth of Christ, but, the principles of giving gifts, remembering the poor, and feasting and joy were certainly the main thrust of this celebration. Isn’t it interesting that we can find the Christmas traditions we follow in the story of Esther? Today, girls, I want to encourage you to focus on the things most important, rather than on yourselves. It is easy to get caught up in “wow, she gave me the coolest gift ever!” or “I am so excited to go caroling with ‘my girls’!”; there is nothing wrong with enjoying the blessings that God has bestowed!!! I simply exhort you today to find a way to share those blessings with someone who can do nothing for you in return. What about the shoeboxes that Bentley and Mrs. Shalee are putting together? Have you purchased anything (or looked through your stash of things at home!) to contribute to the children of our community? Have you taken the time to say “Merry Christmas” to the person ringing the Salvation Army bell at the store? Have you genuinely smiled at a young child in public who evidently does not have the same comforts of home that you do? The ways to bless others are endless, girls – walk in Christ’s steps today by reaching out to someone who needs to see the love of Christ!
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 14
Ephesians 3
Jesus gave everything KNOWING we would give NOTHING in return. What a great reminder this post was of the true meaning of Christmas.
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