A Christmas Message from My Dog

I was giving my dog Sully a bath yesterday, just in time for Christmas. He doesn’t really like baths, not unlike other little boys I’ve known.

One of the reasons for the bath was to get him ready to play with Jonathan’s new puppy. Sully may not like baths, but he loves puppies. All of a sudden I found myself saying, “Sully, if you knew why I was giving you this bath, you would be so happy.” But Sully continued to sit sadly in passive aggressive resistance. Oblivious to the future plans I had for him.

I was amazed at my next thought. “If only I could become a dog for a few minutes, I could explain to Sully what he has to look forward to.”

Unknowingly I had stumbled upon the principle underlying the old parable of the birds - a story used to explain the incarnational aspect of Christmas.

God came to earth as a man. Jesus walked as we walk. He spoke our language. All so that we might understand the love of God. The future God prefers for us. God’s invitation. God’s call to partnership in His mission.

God spoke this Christmas message to me through a Labrador Retriever. How much more can God speak through you and me…!?

Top 5 Reasons for Giving at Christmas

There are all kinds of motivations for giving or providing acts of service directed toward hurting and lost people during December. Some motivations are not as good as others. Here are some motivations I believe are in line with biblical teaching and the true meaning of Christmas:

5 -  To acknowledge that my primary family is the family of God. Giving to a Christian cause or mission reminds me and my family that Christmas is about Jesus, His glory and His mission. It is not primarily about my family and friends (Lk. 2:46 and Mt. 22:37).

4 -  To illustrate that Christmas is about eternity. I am constantly tempted to be materialistic. In giving sacrificially I demonstrate my belief that this world is not my home. Everything I see is temporary – including our Christmas tree and the gifts under it. Three things are eternal: God, the glory of heaven and the mass of people who have joined God’s eternal family (Jn. 14:1-3; Rev. 21:1-7).

3 -  To demonstrate the servant love of Jesus by providing some relief to the physical pain or life struggles of people. God calls for this type love in places like James 2, a passage that explains authentic “religion” as belief in God that moves us to serve the poor and hurting.

2 -  To communicate the love of God that I have experienced the love of God with people who have not yet heard the message of Christmas. Motivated by a desire to honor God, the shepherds (Lk. 2) told others about the coming of God’s Messiah.

1 -  To celebrate the birth, life and ministry of the Savior of the world. Motivated by a desire to honor and encounter God, the wise men (Mt. 2) went to great lengths to bring precious gifts to the Messiah.

What are some other good and biblical reasons for giving during December… or any other time?

Other related posts –
Top 6 Not-so-Good Reasons to Give
Remember the Most Poor
How to Give Like a Wise Man

Top 6 Not-so-Good Reasons to Give at Christmas

Many, if not most, Christian families offer donations or provide some act of service directed toward poor or disadvantaged people during December. I am no one’s judge, but I wonder about the various motivations possibly behind some of this Christmas “generosity.” See if you recognize any of these motivations. I have heard or felt all of these.

#6 – I want to force my spoiled kids to acknowledge how much they have so they will stop asking for so much and give me more thanks.

#5 – My family has always done something for “poor people” at Christmas.

#4 –  It seems that everybody in our group (office, Sunday School class, small group, Bible study, etc.) are doing something for poor people. Let’s do what the “Jones” family is doing.

#3 –  I am ashamed and feel a bit guilty about how blessed (rich) I am.

#2 –  Giving increases my chance of going to heaven.

#1 –  I will receive greater rewards in heaven.

What are some better and more biblical reasons for giving during December… or any other time?

See my recommendation for the Top 5 Good Reasons to Give.

Other related posts –
Remembering the Most Poor
How to Give Like a Wise Man

Remembering the Most Poor at Christmas

The biblical mandate clearly directs believers to demonstrate God’s love by serving, blessing and empowering people that have physical needs such as hunger, housing, medical care, etc.

But the holistic mandate of Jesus is equally clear about our calling to proclaim God’s love. The Good News was shouted by angels, shepherds and wise men two thousand years ago.

Mother Teresa once stated that the poorest of the poor are not in the streets of Calcutta, but in the suburbs of America.

Perhaps the most “poor” are not those lacking shelter or healthcare or adequate food or clean water or appropriate clothing.

But rather those who have not heard about the miracle in Bethlehem, and those who have heard but have not allowed Christ to be born in their hearts by faith.

Why is it that I hear little about families taking action to proclaim the Gospel to these “poor” during the Christmas season?

Too Valuable to Lose

A few days ago I used the long-term parking lot at the new airport in Panama City Beach, FL. It was late. I was tired. As I eased up to the exit, I found an automated machine as well as a booth staffed by a woman in uniform. I lowered my window and asked, “Am I supposed to use this machine or pull up to you?” I did not realize the depth of my question.

“Come on up here, honey.” I pulled up, smiling and reaching for my wallet. The attendant continued, “I’m not supposed to say this, but I am working hard to justify my job here. You won’t get this kind of service from a machine.”

I smiled all the more as I paid and thanked her. I began to pull away, but she had one more message, “God bless you, and I pray that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.”

On my drive back to Jonathan’s and Mary Ashton’s home, I realized I felt more refreshed that I had a few minutes earlier. Maybe it’s my grey hair, but I’ll take a person over a machine any day.

Job security. A burning question for many in these trying times. Like it or not, the opinion of your supervisor is vitally connected to the path of your career.             

In The Bucket List (2007) Jack Nicholson plays the part of Edward, a cocky billionaire facing terminal illness in a unique way. Sean Hayes has the role of Thomas, the administrative assistant (“slave”) of the mighty executive. At one point Thomas observed Edward demonstrating a glimmer of compassion to a friend. In a kind gesture Thomas whispered to his boss, “I’m proud of you.” To which his boss smiled and responded, “Nobody cares what you think.”                       

Live, work, learn and communicate in such a way that your company cares what you think, especially your supervisor. The more he or she cares, the more likely you will move up, not out.     

I recently created a short test to help people see how valuable they are to their company… or not. Email me if you would like a copy of “Too Valuable to Do Anything But Move Up.”

I appreciate the dilemma and commitment of my friend in Panama City Beach. She’s awake to her situation, and she’s trying to increase her value to the company. At the same time, she is presenting a kind and even Christian witness as she performs her duties.

I hope she’s there the next time I park at the airport.