Let me share with you a personal story from many years ago, one that reminds me how even the smallest gestures can bring great joy, especially at Christmas.
In the mid-1980s, I was serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in West Germany. That year marked my first Christmas away from home, and I was deeply homesick. It was Christmas Eve, and instead of celebrating with my family, I was sitting in my small room at our barracks near Ulrichstein. The silence was heavy, and my heart felt weighed down by the distance from those I loved.
Suddenly, there came a knock at my door. When I opened it, there stood our site commander—dressed as Santa Claus! He had taken it upon himself to deliver mail from the kasern to everyone at our small station. Just seeing him in that red suit, spreading cheer to all of us far from home, was enough to brighten my spirits. But then, as he handed me a package, I felt a rush of excitement and gratitude.
The package was small—it had to be, given the expense of sending mail from California to West Germany—but it was from home. I carefully opened it to find socks, books, some cards from friends and family, and something that made my heart leap with joy: a plastic tube filled with cinnamon bears, my favorite candy. My mother had included them, knowing exactly what would bring a smile to my face.
At that moment, the socks and the cinnamon bears became more than just items in a box. They were a tangible reminder of love, connection, and the joy of being remembered. Those cinnamon bears and the simple act of kindness from our commander filled my heart with a song that night. Even now, all these years later, cinnamon bears and socks remain the best gifts anyone could give me—they never fail to bring a smile to my face.
The Joy That Transforms
This simple memory reminds me of the joy that Christmas brings—not because of the size or value of the gifts we receive, but because of the love and thoughtfulness behind them. It is the same with the gift of Christ. God sent His Son into the world as a child, small and humble in His arrival, yet He brought with Him the greatest joy humanity could ever know. The angels proclaimed it: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).
Just as that small package filled my heart with joy far from home, the gift of Christ brings joy to a weary and distant world. His coming reminds us that we are not forgotten. In the humblest of forms, God sent us the greatest expression of His love. And that joy, like those cinnamon bears, is meant to be shared with others, brightening hearts and lifting spirits in the darkest of times.
This Christmas, let us not overlook the small acts of love that can bring great joy. Whether it’s a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or simply sharing the good news of Christ, let us be messengers of joy to those who need it most.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of joy that came to us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we celebrate His birth this Christmas, help us to remember those who are lonely, hurting, or far from the warmth of family and friends. Open our eyes to see those who need a reminder of Your love and grace.
Lord, I ask for opportunities to be a blessing to someone this season. Whether through a kind word, a thoughtful gift, or a simple act of service, use me to share the joy of Christ with those who are weary or burdened. Help me to be sensitive to the needs around me and to respond with compassion and generosity.
Just as You brought joy to my heart through the love of others, may I be a vessel of Your love to someone who needs encouragement. Fill my heart with the same joy the angels proclaimed on that first Christmas night, and let it overflow to brighten the lives of others.
In Jesus’ name, the greatest gift of all, I pray. Amen.
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