All I Want for Christmas Is…
World peace! This makes me think of Gracie Lou Flatbush in Miss Congeniality.
OR
All I Want for Christmas is…
You! This reminds me of the popular Mariah Carey song from Love Actually.
Alright then, movies aside – what do you really want for Christmas?
Are you allowed to be selfish and ‘want’ something?
I say YES!
But you argue – Sherry, you JUST wrote a blog on how Christmas is about serving and giving. Yup, I sure did. And when that friend or family member ‘gives’ to YOU, it’s quite alright for YOU to be excited and thankful in return. It must go both ways to work.
You see, as much as we need to keep God’s call on our lives at the forefront of each day, we also need balance. We’re undeniably human and God designed us to have wants and to enjoy pleasures. We need not feel guilty about desiring something or looking forward to opening that special present.
Yes, it’s better to give than get, but it’s quite alright to be happy about receiving once in a while too.
Are you the kind of person that has a hard time saying ‘thank you’ when you are paid a compliment? I really (REALLY) struggle with this. Even the simplest, most heartfelt compliment can make me feel conceited, arrogant and squirm right out of my skin.
But accepting praise gratefully is not prideful.
What about being proud of your own accomplishment? Is that acceptable? Proverbs 16:18 tells us, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” So how do we strive to do well and keep our modesty at the same time?
I think the answer lies in our heart motives.
It’s okay to eagerly to receive a gift, graciously say thank you for a compliment and even be proud of your accomplishment – but do you beg for the present, fish for the adoration and perform only for the sake of elevating yourself? If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of those, then it’s time to reevaluate. Short of that, however, allow yourself the freedom to embrace the goodness that God has provided. No guilt, no shame, no fear.
So this Christmas, while you’re having a blast giving and serving, don’t forget that’s it’s okay to indulge, just a bit, on yourself too, and not feel bad about it!
I’d like a stocking full of financial security! But in all seriousness, my love language is gifts. Love to give ’em, love to receive ’em. Every year my mom tells me not to get her anything and save my money, and every year I tell her not to crush my Christmas spirit! (I do compromise and shop for bargains so she won’t complain about the amount I spent.)