I have many people in my life who I would consider to have big hearts. They often put the needs and desires of others ahead of their own. It seems very natural for them and always makes a big difference in the lives of those they touch. I imagine you know quite a few people who give of themselves in this way.
Most of us have heard that we should live in such a way to honor our God and Father – live as He did. That is a great reminder and tether, especially this time of year. Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to focus on giving rather than receiving. Yet… how many of us could say that we have given to the depth of sacrifice as God did and still does for us?
The story of the birth of Jesus is a miraculous, inspiring and compelling one. A virgin birth. A young couple who had a mountain of faith to believe in what had been asked of them. Many people who, although wondered in amazement, chose to follow that star right into their own hearts and lives. Have you ever wondered if you would be so ready to believe, with such powerful and unwavering faith, if that type of occurrence were to happy today? Stop and think about that for a few minutes…
On my long drive home from work last week, I heard the story of a pediatric anesthesiologist who wrote a book on his experiences. I wasn’t sure at first what to expect he would share in this interview, but it proved to be quite moving and very interesting. He talked for a while about the challenge of doing anesthesia in general, but how that challenge was magnified by doing so on very small children, even tiny babies. He was sure to emphasize that the challenge was equally, if not surpassed by the joy of seeing a positive outcome follow the intricate nature of his extremely important role in such a surgery.
The interviewer asked him to share an excerpt from his book where he describes a very moving experience. He explained the time when he was part of his first heart transplant surgery. He was thinking it would be a uniquely difficult operation, but it wasn’t until part way through the procedure that he was moved to tears. During such a procedure, there is a time when the donor’s heart has been removed and the recipients heart has been removed as well. The physician was struck by two things. First, the realization that at the moment, the recipient patient was 100% dependent on the heart-lung bypass machine for survival. The second impact came when he realized what an incredibly sacrificial gift, the donor’s family have given to the recipient patient and their family. One patient would not survive without the other.
I’ve actually known a few people who have been the recipient of a heart transplant. Moat people wouldn’t know they have gone through such an experience unless they told you. One of my husband and my favorite movies is “Return to Me” that has a story line of a heart transplant experience. (It is definitely a box of Kleenex type of movie). Thinking about all of this caused me to ask myself a new and very thought provoking question.
Have I ever given “from the heart” in anywhere near the same sacrificial way? Although I am an organ donor, I realize the chances of that coming to fruition are slim. I also do not want to diminish in any way, the vital small acts of kindness we all may do. Paying it forward is one of my favorite things to do. But this upcoming Christmas, I challenge us all to consider what we could do, or say, or give, that would be closer to the depth of what our God did for us on that first Christmas morning, and what He will continue to do. Closer to the ultimate sacrifice one human being can give to another. We may not be given an opportunity to do so, but we can always hold within us the spirit of such sacrificial giving.
When we look at God’s face, we see His glory. But when we look at the cross, we see His Heart.
What do people see when they look at us?
God brought His one and only Son to life here on earth. Let’s remember God’s gift and Jesus’ sacrifice. That just may cause you to celebrate this Christmas season in a whole new and deeply meaningful way.
Today’s song is an older one, but one that it is a great reminder. It’s by Christian songwriter and performer, Steven Curtis Chapman. It reminds us ….”Christmas is all in the heart”… take a few minutes to enjoy this song, and beware, you’ll be singing the chorus for weeks!