“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
“A Christmas Carol”
There is another element that we see this time of year in many of our Christmas movies…a desire to help those that are less fortunate. In the two movies mentioned above there are families that are struggling to make ends meet for one reason or another. By the end of the stories there is a more benevolent spirit toward them. The transformation we have talked about that changes the attitudes of our characters usually includes a spirit of generosity that especially blesses those in need.
In “A Christmas Carol” it is the Crachit family. We see that they are simply scraping by in the poorest section of London. They barely have enough to eat and, certainly no money to get proper medical care for the ailing Tiny Tim. However, after the transformation of Mr. Scrooge, he generously commits his resources to help them improve their life and to get Tim the help that he needs.
In “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” the Herdman family has a similar struggle and, after the enlightenment brought about by the Christmas Pageant, the attitudes of people toward them change. The once judgemental church members accept them into their congregation as part of the family and there is a committment to reach out and meet their needs.
This theme of giving should make perfect sense to us. Christmas is all about giving and receiving! Whether Hollywood knows it or not, the coming of Jesus reveals to us a God who is generous! The loving Father has expressed His generosity especially to the lowly and destitute. That’s right. We were lost in the poverty of our sinful ways when God came to our rescue. Our circumstances were dire, but God came to change what we could not do. He showed that He was not an angry tyrant, but a loving Father. He was transforming the perception of the world by coming to us…God with us!
As you meditate on the first Christmas event today, think about those that God singled out to carry the news
So, the generosity that is so prevelent in this season finds its’ roots in the first Christmas when “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” (John 3:16). We are never more like God than when we give!
There are reminders of this truth all around us this season. The bell ringers outside of the grocery store…the collection of food or gifts for those in need…the opportunities and programs that to help families that are struggling…even the wrapped presents under the tree represent a generosity that comes this time of year.
Is there someone in your world today that needs some help? Let’s practice generosity today. Not just with money or material things but with a warm smile and a helping hand.
Merry Christmas!