Christmas marks the birth of Jesus: “the greatest gift to the world.” In keeping with that spirit of generosity, we give presents to one another. (And Santa comes with treasures for good little girls and boys!) Every December we place immense emphasis on getting just the right thing for the right person.
Yet a Bethany member once declared that it wasn’t until he became seriously ill that he learned how to receive. He remarked that while his cancer was not a blessing, his response to it was. He said he was learning to ask others for help and for prayers. For someone whose career had been focused on helping others rehabilitate themselves, he now found himself on the receiving end. Up until his death, he proclaimed that just as much as “God loves a cheerful giver,” God loves a cheerful receiver.
During the month that lies ahead—the month traditionally promoted as filled with joy—we are bound to feel moments of sadness and longing. We may grieve for loved ones no longer with us. We may feel overwhelmed by finances or schedules. (We may even come down with the ‘flu!)
Let’s remind ourselves that the infant Jesus was as vulnerable and weak as any other newborn, needing infinite care and love. And know that this same comfort and aid is always available to us from friends and family. And from God, the greatest Gift-giver of all.
—CBS
Receiving is often harder than giving. Giving is very important: giving insight, giving hope, giving courage, giving advice, giving support, giving money, and most of all, giving ourselves. Without giving there is no brotherhood and sisterhood.
But receiving is just as important, because by receiving we reveal to the givers that they have gifts to offer. When we say, “Thank you, you gave me hope: thank you, you gave me a reason to live; thank you, you allowed me to realize my dream,” we make givers aware of their unique and precious gifts. Sometimes it is only in the eyes of the receivers that givers discover their gifts.–Henri Nouwen
