Real Sacrifice

This time of year the world is aglow with all kinds of feel good stories.  A small respite amidst all the horror stories we're faced with 365 days a year if you will.  Its Christmas time, and why wouldn't you want to immerse yourself in acts of kindness, self sacrifice, and do good unto other stories. It warms the heart, makes the world feel good, and for a few moments restores a bit of faith in humanity.

This morning, a Facebook post showing a little mutt running beside an ambulance because his owner was picked up from his home due to a medical emergency. The driver stopped and picked up the pup who stood vigilant on duty by his masters bedside throughout the journey and at the hospital.  I'll admit, that is a wonder and show of ultimate sacrifice by mans best friend! My pooch would have held open the front door and seen me wheeled out only to run back inside to her warm blanky.  Chances are after 3 days she might sense my absence due to the empty bowl of kibble, (and the gravy on top if its a weekend).  I know she loves me. She just has a hard time showing it.

That little story really means diddly other than its cute and warm. Its an example of stuff we like to hear.  There's loads more. People sacrificing their time to help the homeless. People digging a little deeper in their jeans for a few extra bills in the Salvation Army kettle or the church plate.  Church communities rallying to fill up some hampers for the local needy. All good stuff and all good examples of the small sacrifices we can make. And it makes us and the world feel good about itself. Humanity in all its goodness on display.

But how poor are we if we believe that's the real meaning of sacrifice? The world is semi tolerant to a few songs about a baby Jesus, a nativity scene, and a church alit down the road.  But in all that, it is still ignorant about what true sacrifice really is, and what the "reason for the season" really means.  Don't get caught in the hubbub.

Do good by all means, and continue to give of your time, your money, and yourself. Our Lord demands that we do! But do not forget or push aside the real reason of sacrifice, and let that be on your heart and mind this season.  Christ the Savior, born to die so we might be saved. Believe it. It's very real, and it's for you, and its free.