Advent Day 19: What do you really want?

As the days move swiftly to Christmas, we might get caught up in the undeniably enticing world of gift-giving and gift-getting. Whether at a gift swap at church or between two family members or friends, giving and receiving has become integral to this time of year.

Someone has probably asked you already: What do you really want? A new car? Clothes? The latest electronic toy? Peace on earth? Or, something else?

Often, it isn’t something tangible that we desire from one another. It is something that money cannot buy. An apology. A hug. A visit. Extra time. Special care. Understanding. All of these things and others cannot be paid for with cash or wrapped up in a package. Why? Because they come from the heart.

How we express our love for one another is a gift always in the making and giving.

As we prepare to put a bow on the box or tear open the brightly-colored paper of something someone has present-ed us with,  what we really want is often not something we hold, but something we experience. And these things can be given by us, too, and in so doing will return to us, re-gifted, if you will, with light and love.

Blessings for the day,

Maureen