PUT SOMEONE FIRST

What traditions do I keep this second Christmas without John?

I had a nativity scene I put out for years when Johnny and Laura were little. At some point, I stored it away, and I don’t know why. I pulled it out of storage a few years ago, and I felt like I had found a long-lost friend. This week, I set the scene up again enjoying all of the memories it represented.

This Precious Moments nativity scene has an interesting history. John and I had made a pact to save on gifts for ourselves and to spend most of our Christmas money on the kids. However, John came into some unexpected money—winnings from a poker game with the guys! (Don’t worry, this was years before he became a pastor.) The next day, he took his winnings and bought me the nativity scene. I laughed at the way he was able to buy the gift, but I was also touched by the fact that he could have spent that sum on so many other things; including something for himself. Like so many times during our marriage, John put me first.

Some of my favorite things about the Christmas season are emphasizing giving, putting others before ourselves, and extending kindness and forgiveness.

So I want to continue the tradition of putting others first this season.

I want to help to spread the love of Jesus by thoughtfully considering, before the hustle and bustle takes over, how I can make a difference. Here’s some things we can all do:

We might choose to take a portion of the money we have set aside for our family and give a gift to someone in need.

We could invite someone who is alone to go to church with us or come over for a meal.

We could write that amends and forgiveness letter to set people free.

There might be someone who is grieving who just wants to share memories of the person they lost.

Won’t you share some ideas with us about how you intend to put someone first this Christmas?

Romans 12;10, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”