Más Christ

Lights, music, gift-giving, and often a little more kindness are at the center of the Christmas season. Recently, my granddaughter led a discussion in her youth group about the importance of keeping Christ in Christmas.  After talk of favorite Christmas memories and crazy holiday schedules, she offered a rearranging of the word “Christmas”: Más Christ. Más is the Spanish word for more so translated to English Más Christ means more Christ. More Christ in the holiday season; more Christ throughout our lives.

I hesitate to use the word “more” at such a crazy time of year. But can putting more Christ in the holiday actually calm our busy minds? Can it open our hearts to the simple and beautiful things that can be enjoyed and shared?

Angels Among Us

A few years ago, a friend of mine posted on Facebook “There are angels on earth; sometimes in a beanie…. Mortal or Immortal… Doesn’t really matter… Just grateful!” It brought into focus the angels I have seen at work throughout my life. At Christmas and at other times there are angels among us, quietly working their miracles with a helping hand, a kind word, or a friendly smile. All give gifts that touch, lift, and help the light in the world feel a little brighter.

In a world increasingly violent and agitated, the light of Christ still seems to brighten each Christmas Season. Volunteers ring bells and give holiday greetings as they collect for the needy. People in long lines at the post office help each other with packages as they wait to send Christmas wishes. All around you see thousands of gifts from thousands of angels, eager to help others feel the joy of Christmas.

The other day I was standing in a line at the grocery store wishing I had planned better and been there a few days earlier. Saturdays in December usually mean long lines that lend to impatience among customers. But that day I witnessed something beautiful. In the front of the line there was a young man with two small children buying a few groceries for dinner. When he went to pay, his card was declined.

He fumbled in his wallet looking for something that wasn’t there while the rest of us shifted from one foot to another or let out sighs of impatience as we waited in line for our turn. The man didn’t look up at the cashier when he admitted he didn’t have any other way to pay. As the cashier offered to set his groceries aside for later, he took the hand of his little girl and started to walk away.

Then the woman behind him in line spoke up quietly,

 “Wait. I’ll pay for those groceries.”

The man turned and stared at the woman for a moment, and then just froze, eyes wide in confusion. “Thank-you.” Were the only words he could utter as the woman slid her card into the reader.

She shrugged her shoulders and said “Well, Merry Christmas!” You could hear the smile in her voice. The woman’s eyes glistened with a hint of tears.

The man quietly took his groceries then turned back to the woman. His face thawed as he looked her in the eyes and almost whispered, “Thank-you so much”

“Have a Merry Christmas” she said again.

I walked away feeling a little lighter, a little more grateful for what I have. And grateful for the angels among us—in beanies or t-shirts and jeans or business suits—giving what they have to help others feel a little more light and joy along the way.

Giving It Forward

Más Christ can help us transform our Christmas season. It can help us focus on connection and reaching out in simple ways. Even when we feel empty—like we have nothing to give—getting outside ourselves has a way of filling our hearts.

Words of encouragement can calm a doubting heart. A heart-felt, yet simple, thank-you can re-energize a tired worker. Compassionate listening can help a friend feel a renewed sense of worth. Giving It Forward—Join the Campaign!

Recently, a friend shared a story from when she was a young mother, tired, stressed and trying to finish much needed shopping. She left the grocery store with a newborn and fussy toddler depleted. A young women exiting at the same time with a bag of groceries and a bright bouquet of flowers stopped when she saw my friend. The lady with the flowers paused for a moment, looked at my friend, then with a smile, handed her the flowers. “I think you need these more than I do today.” That small gesture gave my friend the lift she needed.

Another much needed lift happened as my oldest daughter struggled with severe health issues. While her husband and children tried to keep up chores and take care of the day-to-day routines, friends showed up with food. While the food was great, the bigger gift was the love my daughter and her family felt during this difficult time.

Más Christ

So what can we do to help there be more Christ in Christmas? The most precious and long-lasting gifts are gifts that originate in the heart—a text to let someone know your thinking of them; a walk with a friend; even the gift of patience in long lines and a thank-you to a tired, fumbling worker.

I remember a poem from when I was child that opened my eyes to the possibilities of what any of can offer no matter our circumstances—

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him?
Give my heart.
~Christina Rossetti

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/53216/in-the-bleak-midwinter

Opening our hearts is key to finding the gifts that reside there. No two of us are the same and we all have gifts—ways to touch others for good—that can enrich our lives as well as those around us. So today, reach out and let someone know you’re thinking of them.

We can be a force for good.