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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Christmas Gifts (11/13/08)
O Lord,
my feet hurt, my brain is numb,
it’s the middle of November
and I’m already weary.
Weary of this circus
we call Christmas,
weary of spending already overloaded time
and dwindling energy reserves
trying to find the perfect gift,
spending money I don’t have
on gifts no one really needs.
And after the frenzied tearing
of carefully wrapped packages,
somehow, there’s still

an emptiness.

Is that all there is?
Lord, when did I allow
the giving and receiving of gifts
to become central to Christmas?

The Lord said to me:

Time for a much needed attitude adjustment!

Fill someone’s stocking with Hope.
To the least and the lost
offer mercy wrapped up in compassion,
feed the poor, clothe the naked,
visit the sick, lonely, forgotten,
speak for those who have no voice.
As you do for the least of these
you do for Me.

Decorate someone's Christmas tree
with ornaments of
healing and reconciliation
instead of injustice and prejudice,
light the tree with
hospitality instead of hostility,
ignore those fattening bits of gossip
and replace hurtful words
with the healthy and wholesome snacks
of kindness and understanding.
Place a star of Peace at the top.
Treat others
as you want to be treated.

Into a large box put Love,
the most extravagant, costly gift you can find,
the kind that costs
everything you are, everything you have.
Include blessings for those
who hurt you,
and prayers for those
who treat you unfairly.
Wrap the whole box with humility.
Love others as I have loved you.

Bring to Me a gift,
the gift of a thankful, grateful heart.
Rejoice that you are My child,
enjoy the life I have given you,
receive with gladness My gift of grace to you,
and share it with someone else.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Norma-Anne Hough
11/22/08
I like the sentiments displayed here, and the ideas for the giving of "a new type of gift."
Bless you,
Norms
Beth LaBuff 
11/26/08
This is beautiful, "Love,
the most extravagant, costly gift you can find, -- the kind that costs -- everything you are, everything you have". You have some creative comparisons in this. Nice work!
Deborah Porter 
11/28/08
Linda, in case you don't see the Highest Rankings each week, I just wanted to let you know that you did very well in the Challenge this week. Even though you didn't quite make it into the winners' circle, you made it into the highest rankings for Level 3, placing 10th for the level.

The competition is always extremely intense in Level 3, so well done. Keep up the great writing.

If you would like to check the highest rankings for yourself, you can see them here:

http://www.faithwriters.com/Boards/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=343147

With love, Deb (Challenge Coordinator)
Deborah Porter 
11/28/08
Linda, I should also have mentioned that you made it into the Highest Rankings overall, as well, placing 40th out of all the entries submitted for the week. Well done!