by Rita Klundt

I saw this post on Facebook today:   “2 weeks ago, I wasn’t sure if we’d be able to get any Christmas presents for the girls, but God stepped in, and provided me with a job for the holiday season. It’s temporary, but I’m so very thankful to be working a little right now and so thankful we were able to purchase a few gifts for Christmas! Now, where did I put my holiday spirit!?” (MRW)

My friend’s words prompted this question: Where did I find my holiday spirit this year?

• Was it in the fluffy white snow that covered our lawn?
• Was it in that Christmas party?
• Did it suddenly appear because I had a productive day of shopping?
• Could it have been that check I got in the mail?

I can honestly say it was none of the above. That fluffy snow cover was beautiful, but it also covered the sidewalks and created havoc on the roads. The Christmas party was nice, but I worked so hard on the preparation that it was difficult to stay awake and enjoy the conversation. It certainly wasn’t the rude store clerk who had spent every ounce of her holiday cheer on the customer before me. And the royalty check from my publishing company? A whole $5.34. The report indicated that I had sold one whole soft cover and two e-books.

I was looking to find some Christmas spirit a few weeks ago, so I went to the basement. Surely, I’d find it somewhere in those Rubbermaid tubs, but I didn’t find it among the glass bulbs, plastic candy canes or red candles.

If I had to say where I found some Christmas spirit this year, it would be in the “angel” who sang off key in the children’s Christmas program at LBC yesterday. (If you were there, you know just what I mean) Angel Harold was a hoot!

Now, that leaves me wondering. Why do we bother “looking” for that elusive “Christmas spirit?” Is there really a spirit that shows up to make us happy for only a few weeks at the end of the year? Of course not.

It made my day to read my friend’s words, “God stepped in.” I know that, for a long time, she’s been asking for God to show up…to show Himself. Looks like He did just that. This is my prayer for me, my friend and anyone who might be looking for a little Christmas spirit.

May the LORD make His face to shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.

            Numbers 6:25-26 (NKJV)

 

When God steps in for you, give Him your applause…maybe with your hands, maybe with a song, or maybe in a quiet moment of thanks. Facebook works, too. Thanks MRW.