Unexpected gifts...

I really think sometimes that we overlook the true actual meaning of Christmas and our enjoyment of it is adversely impacted by a lot of emotional baggage from many Christmases passed by. Christmas is about joy and giving and the generosity that fills our hearts during the holiday season. To truly understand the magic and subtle nuances you have to see it through childlike eyes. You really still have to believe in Santa despite every single logical and factual reason not to. We are conflicted because we want to give in and abandon the rigidity of our thoughts and ponder...if only for a second...maybe he is real. I am more convinced than ever that Santa is real and oddly enough he lives...shhhhh...in my house. You might never believe that my wife is Santa if you saw her. No white beard...no round little belly...and certainly no pipe clenched in her teeth. However, she is in fact, “a right jolly old elf”. At Christmas she transforms and becomes childlike and so filled with wonder and amazement that I can't help but to get swept up in her merriment. I have a confession...I am rather a scrooge. I sometimes get caught up in and beat down by the “other” Christmas...the crass commercial one. However, my own live in personal Santa always manages to show me something I would have missed...every single year...without fail. 

So, we have recently moved to Louisville and are living in an interesting neighborhood of a lot of little houses that many look the same. The neighborhood, from what we have observed, is pretty diverse in numerous ways. On our many trips of driving in and out, one particular house has caught both our eye and attention a lot. I honestly cannot offer a rational explanation why. I mean, I do know, but it may sound a little weird to some. At this house, all through the summer, an elderly woman sat in a rickety chair next to her dog, beside the street in her postage stamp sized back yard. We would always wave and she waved back and smiled broadly. We have met a number of our neighbors and that certainly is what we are supposed to do. Even more importantly, we show love for our neighbors by doing good for them. In Galatians 6:10 it says, 

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.". 

One thing that is plainly evident in the scripture is the benevolence of followers of Christ toward others. Jesus, of course, was certainly always benevolent in dealing with the masses who sought his help. He helped everyone whom He could help. In Luke 6:19 it records one occasion when Jesus healed all who were there. He fed, with fishes and loaves,  the massive gathered crowds when they were hungry. He spoke with deep heartfelt compassion to all that needed it. Peter summed up his masters attitude saying that we should be,"casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you." We also find this compassion and taking care of neighbors evident in many notable Christians of the first century. One example is Dorcas who was "full of good works and charitable deeds." . And there was Cornelius the God fearing Centurion described as "a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the poor…" . In Titus 2:14 it says that Christ,"gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." .The term good works would include whatever beneficial things we can do for others. When we have Christian love, we will want to help those who need it, as we are able. 

So, my little Santa casually mentioned that we should do something special for our “waving” friend, I just smiled and realized that it was already decided. I have discovered anything mentioned by my wife very “casually” and quite random is, in all probability, a direct communique from God . So, off to the store the two little elves went. What subsequently ensued was a brief cooking frenzy and some fanciful gift wrapping and much joy and laughter. The little impish one was giddy at the prospect of just walking up to some completely unknown persons door and presenting them with these unexpected Christmas gifts. I was watching and listening to her imagining how much they would enjoy what I would have enjoyed myself...well, except for the dog biscuits. Then that thing that happens every Christmas to me happened... the last remaining bit of scrooge and bah humbug was washed out of me by the tears streaming down my cheeks. We got out of the car and walked up to the door. For a brief moment I fantasized that we were the magi bearing symbolic gifts of ham, pumpkin pie and dog biscuits. I was snapped out of my reverie by an elderly gentleman opening the door. “Hi” we blurted out. “We are your neighbors from a couple of streets over” I said. He looked both confused and curious at the same time. “ I am Mike and this is my wife, Joanne and we wanted to tell you Merry Christmas” I went on. He's still looking and evaluating...”where did you say you lived ?” he asked. “A couple of streets over” I said as I offered up our gifts. He still seemed to be trying to figure out these very strange people at his door and accepted the unexpected surprise. He then said “ well... thank you very much and Merry Christmas to you all “ and turned and went inside. My little secret Santa gave me a wink and a knowing smile that said...mission accomplished. Indeed...it was and will continue to be.