Yesterday, standing in a long line at a local department store, I couldn’t help but marvel at the number of people shopping for Christmas. I heard someone behind me discussing the local warehouse store. She said it had been terribly busy, and she refused to return until after the new year started. As the line crept forward, I chatted with my family member until we made it to the ‘line starts here’ sign where we waited until a cashier gestured us forward. I was amazed at how kind and friendly she was.
I would have been in a bad mood before I even got to work if I still worked with the public. After roughly twenty years of customer service work in public libraries, I tense up even thinking about working in a public facing job. Maybe it’s my age and time of life. Maybe it’s my experience (good and bad) of working with the public. I just cringe at the words “customer service” as part of a job description. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy providing customer service. I just don’t want to deal with the customer directly. It makes me wonder what is missing in me compared to the cashier who was so sweet to us yesterday. Have I lost my Christmas spirit? No, I’m enjoying the true meaning of Christmas this year as I read through an advent study, practice for the church Christmas play, spend time with family and friends, and dwell on what Jesus has done for me and everyone else. I think I’m just learning where my professional strengths and weaknesses stand.
The lady who helped us yesterday had joy and professionalism in equal measure, and I’m still marveling today at her happiness. She embodied the Christmas spirit. As I think about the upcoming holiday, I realize that it’s important for me to carry that Christmas spirit into and throughout the new year. If I did, I wonder what kind of a difference it would make as I move forward with my writing?
What does it mean to carry the Christmas spirit all year round?
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. (Matthew 2:10, NKJV)
Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord. (Luke 1:45, NKJV)
Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. (Luke 2:20, NKJV)
And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:38, NKJV)
Would we be joyful like the Wise Men who sought and found Jesus (Matthew 2:10)? Would we feel blessed like Elizabeth and Mary (Luke 1:45)? Would we praise the Lord despite difficult circumstances like the shepherds who saw the Christ child (Luke 2:20)? Would we give thanks and speak of the Savior to everyone as Anna did after she witnessed Jesus presented at the temple (Luke 2:38)?
As we move into the new year, let us carry the Christmas spirit with us everywhere we go. Let us spread the Good News as we go through our days. May we allow God to move through us in whatever work we do to shine a light for Him in the world to those living in darkness.
Have a very BLESSED and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
All Things Subject to Change 