BY DAWN REED
Tuesday evening, I had the opportunity to spend some time with the ladies of Allen Baptist Church. It was their annual Christmas party.
The cooks and bakers of ABC had outdone themselves; tasty treats lined several tables. Women of all ages in brightly colored sweaters and shirts milled about the fellowship hall.
My friend, Becky, asked me to share a devotion with their group. I was thrilled to have the privilege.
The theme was “The Unexpecteds of Christmas.” Mary had an unexpected calling. Joseph had an unexpected turn in his life. The shepherds had an unexpected journey to find Jesus and share Jesus.
I began with the story of the not-rabbit coat. It was the Christmas of 1981. We were newlyweds and living mostly on love. My beloved had placed a large present for me under the tree. I was quite positive it was the fabulous rabbit fur coat I had been longing for but couldn’t afford. On Christmas morning, when I opened my gift, I unexpectedly found a teddy bear instead. I was going on and on to the ABC ladies, being dramatic, then went into the lesson.
We read parts of the Christmas story, applying it to our lives today. Finishing up, we prayed, and I went back to my seat for us to start singing carols. A lady named Faye rushed over thrusting a bundle of fur into my arms. “What is this?” I asked. “It’s for you!” she exclaimed with a smile.
It was her FUR COAT. Faye was giving me her FUR COAT. Right off her back. She insisted. I told her I couldn’t. She insisted again and again, saying she wouldn’t take it back.
I am now the owner of a fabulous 100% faux fur coat…an unexpected gift.
It is the softest thing I have ever worn or touched. (I keep petting my arms.) It was so kind! All the way home – driving in the coat – I marveled at Faye’s generosity.
At Christmas, we often see people being more generous, more caring, going above and beyond, giving selflessly. It’s one of the best things about the season.
God is our greatest example of generosity. Of going above and beyond. In the Garden of Eden, He knew exactly how it would go. He knew Adam and Eve would choose to disobey Him. When sin entered the world, God knew we needed a Savior, so He promised to send one. All through the Old Testament, preachers and prophets told He was coming. They gave hints to the how and where. When He arrived, it was not at all like people expected.
He gave us His most precious treasure: His Son. Born in a stable, laid in a manger. An unexpected arrival to the sleeping world. Angels announced the news. Shepherds journeyed to find the Baby. Mary had unexpected guests.
As we get closer to the celebration of Jesus’ birth, how can we be more generous, more caring? We don’t have to spend all our money or give the coat off our back like Faye, but how can we love a little extra? Who can we love a little extra? Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Let’s go and do just that!
I may or may not be typing in the previously mentioned fur coat.