The custom of giving Christmas gifts began as a way to celebrate God’s gift of Jesus to the world. For many of us, regardless of faith tradition, this is a season of gift giving. There are many kinds of gifts: big, awkward-to-wrap ones; homemade ones; and tiny, precious ones. Some of my favorite gifts don’t fit in a box, like shared experiences and time together. Whatever the gift, the purpose is to show love to the recipient. The following is a reflection on many ways to show love, excerpted from my upcoming book. The working title is On the Beach with God: Waves of Encouragement, Winds of Inspiration.
As relational beings, we have in common the yearning to feel loved, yet we have different ways of expressing love. If we don’t recognize how others are showing love, or assume everyone knows what makes us feel loved, hurt feelings can easily result. However, if we pay attention to what makes others smile, and are willing to be open about our own preferences, we can have fun with the many ways of showing loving care for one another.
There was much wisdom in the children’s TV show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” I especially loved a song Fred Rogers used to sing, “There are many ways to say ‘I love you.’” One of the lines says “the cooking way.” When my husband is preparing a nice dinner, or my daughter is putting the finishing touches on a picture-perfect holiday dessert, I find Fred Rogers’ song going through my head.
I just finished hanging Christmas lights outside. December is such a busy time for musicians that I was tempted to skip it. But our daughter is coming home and she wants to see lights on the house. As I untangled the strings and hung the lights, it felt less like doing a chore and more like giving a gift. It was a way to show our daughter how loved she is by making her homecoming “bright.” Truly, there are countless ways to show our love!
May your holiday season be bright with love.
-J.B.
Maryann
16 Dec 2018Wishing you delight in everything these holiday bring to you. Peace be with you!
admin
5 Jan 2019As the Lutheran liturgy says, “And also with you.” Blessings for 2019!
B.E. Beck
4 Jan 2019One of my most memorable gifts! I remembered my grandmother making apple-butter when I was young and would occasionally relate these experiences to my daughter. After college my daughter got her own apartment and that year I found a jar of homemade apple-butter in my Christmas stocking. I knew how much work, time and effort the process took from her busy schedule. I turned to her with tears in my eyes and said, “I feel so loved.”
admin
5 Jan 2019B.E. – What a thoughtful gift you received! It took effort, it tasted delicious, and most of all, it represented generations of family love. Thank you for sharing your story.