A Much Bigger Picture

Did you know that I worked in retail sales for over 25 years? Since the age of 14, I worked in some sort of store and the Christmas season was the busiest time. This year I've been in a different "season" of Christmas, one of learning with growth.
These past two weeks at work, 91.3 Hope FM, we've been working on the Christmas Wish List program. It works this way. If you or someone you know has a Christmas Wish but cannot fulfill it, write to us and we will ask the Lord to provide via the community.
It has been overwhelming with over 31 responses within our community. The Lord, through us and others, have fulfilled all of them. We cannot fulfill any more.
I have picked up the responsibility of making sure presents are wrapped and no child goes without. I have spoken to recipients after their wishes have been fulfilled and sitting with them as their heart breaks with joy and peace all at the same time. I too have cried with  them.  I have also sat with the givers who have tears in their eyes, joy in their hearts, and
a smile from ear to ear. It has been a wonderful time of the year.
Looking back, there were times I got upset and for what I don't know. Perhaps the hustle and bustle of getting other things around me accomplished, and making sure all my i's were dotted and t's were crossed. I found myself exhausted, upset, and disgruntled. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy (and enjoyed) all that I have done and seen through this event.
My prayer is that if one person who didn't listen to God's word, experience His love,  recognize Him before, or even understand what this season was about; they do now. It is about a much bigger picture than our temporary things. It's about loving and caring for others. God loves you so much that He gave His perfect gift; He is the ultimate giver.
I've learned that Christmas isn't about the presents under the tree or the family you are around, but it's about giving year round and loving others despite myself.
I've also taken time to really read the scriptures of the birth of Jesus and the events that took place. For instance, when the wise men arrived on the scene. Did you know they weren't at the manger? They visited Joseph and Mary in a house. The wise men didn't come to worship Mary, they came to worship a King; King Jesus, Jesus Christ, Son of God.
Mary was a servant girl who truly became a selfless giver herself to God Almighty.
Joseph was a man of compassion and mercy and not a man ready to throw a woman into death and destruction.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were poor and needed help. God provided all their needs; just like Putnam County has been used by God to provided others in their needs.
I have been humbled and thankful for all that God has provided for me.
My home might be drafty and cold in the morning, but it is my shelter. My cupboards may not have all that I need in them, but I have food. I may not have a lot of pretty things, but I have my necessities because the Lord has provided all that I need.
What have you learned from this season? What have you done this season for someone else or for yourself that was different from last year?
 No matter what that might be, I hope you find the true meaning of giving and not giving just this one time a year.
Christmas doesn't come from a store. I hope that the heart that was one time so small will grow three sizes than before and you will pay it forward.

May God's love shine on your today.
~Marjorie

J - Jesus
O -Others
Y -You
Hope you have joy today.