Part of our 2011 SSCP Annual Advent Devotional — “The Best Christmas Gift”
BY PAT TONKIN 
These may not exactly be gifts in the traditional sense, but I feel better about the coming Season because of them.
First off, I gave myself a gift the other day. I went to see Sight and Sound’s “Miracle of Christmas.” It turned out to be a very good first gift of the Season. Yes, it was hokey and pretty stereotypical in its storytelling; but, oh so joyful! I watched those shepherds dance and sing at the birth of a poor baby in very troubled times. Those folks believed; they had hope; and for a time, so did I. With angels swinging overhead and “star” light sweeping everywhere, I began to sing and dance in my head, even in my heart. I actually responded to the Christmas Story. I’d like to give myself and everyone else this joy each day of Advent and beyond.
Secondly, it’s Christmas card time again, and I actually composed my year-recap Christmas letter to folks that I address just once a year. But I won’t send it. This year, I have too many questions about the practice: “Who’ll really care?” “Is it just a competition?” “Suppose this chronicle of my great year arrives at the end of someone’s hellish one?” No, this year… I’ll read others’ cards with delight or compassion and jot an appropriate note on a pretty card to them. But I’ll keep my own letter as a gift to myself. After all, it is a wonderful way to count and record my many blessings.
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SSCP BLOG SERIES — Advent Devotional: “The Best Christmas Gift”
We will be accepting essays throughout the month of December. This year’s Advent focus is on “the best Christmas GIFT” you’ve ever received or given. Maybe there was a cost. Perhaps it was free. It took a lot of sacrifice. Or it was effortless. How was God a part of this gift? It does need to be a gift, not a moment or memory. We will upload new essays periodically, so please check back often. (tag: advent). If you feel moved to share the story about your best Christmas gift, please email it to Wendy Hudgins at communications@silverspringumcp.org. To stay up-to-date with activities and opportunities during advent, please visit our FB page.
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Blessings and peace as we begin the Advent journey to Christmas. See you Sunday!
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