My Corner Online
The Christmas Eve Cough Drop
(written 12/25/2006)
I wanted to leave a little Christmas message on my blog for this special day, the day we celebrate Christ’s birth, the day we spend giving and receiving. I had been thinking of what to say, but was not sure what I would do. Then...
Here I lay on Christmas Eve, at the end of a long day, at the end of a long week of no sleep due to excessive coughing, laying in my bed, trying to make myself go to sleep, not wanting to because I know that once again, I probably won’t be able to sleep, when in walks my youngest son. I look up, trying to make out who it is in the darkness. “What?” “Here,” he says. “What’s that?” A cough drop,” he says. And with that he turns around and walks out of the room, leaving me there with a feeling of wonderment.
Every once in a while, my sons take me for a loop and do the most unexpected, wonderful things. So, he was listening to me complain that morning of my lack of sleep due to coughing and how I finally fell asleep because of the cough drop in my mouth. So, he does care whether or not I will sleep tonight.
Of all the Christmas gifts I may get tomorrow, this Christmas Eve Cough Drop is the best gift I could have received. A son giving from his heart because he cares about mom, being thoughtful, just about tops any tangible gift.
Every year I reflect on how it seems odd that we all are getting the birthday gifts, not the birthday boy, Jesus. But then I am reminded that whatever I do to others, I do unto Jesus; and so, He really is receiving a ton of gifts on Christmas day.
I am reminded that God, who has everything, gave everything:
Isaiah 9:6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
I am reminded that Christian giving is worship. What a great way to worship Jesus on his birthday than by giving to others.
One of my all time favorite song lyrics is “We are the World” by USA for Africa. The lyrics remind me that we are God’s children with the power to make a better day for someone else. A small thoughtful cough drop can make a better day for someone else. It’s a daily choice we make. A better world starts with you and me and the small things we do and give every day for other people. If we all join together doing the small things, everything will become great.
I wish for you a Christmas Eve Cough Drop kind of day, today, and every day. I thank God for giving his Son.
Luke 6:38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.
Matthew 6:21 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
II Corinthians 9:6-8 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
New Living Translation
WE ARE THE WORLD
Sung By USA For Africa
Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie
There comes a time when we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it's time to lend a hand to life,
The greatest gift of all
We can go on pretending day by day
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change
We are all a part of God's great big family
And the truth you know love is all we need
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me
Send them your heart so they'll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stones to bread
So we all must lend a helping hand
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own livesI
t's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me
When you're down and out
There seems no hope at all
But if you just believe there's no way we can fall
Let us realize that a change can only come
When we stand together as one
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me