It is more blessed to give than to receive

You know what? I've never, ever in my life, gone Christmas shopping. No sir, not even once. But this year, I'd vowed it would be different. I purposed in my heart to at least make a Christmas list. I did the closest thing a Christian could get to swearing to actually follow that Christmas list: I wrote down that resolution and sealed it with a prayer. After all, the theme for my church this year (Ed - there you go again...what do you mean your church? ;p ) is "A Year of New Beginnings".
The "old" Joel never gave gifts to people even though he received tons of gifts during Christmas. The "old", lazy boned Joel never though it worthwhile to even attempt at getting something for anyone. No sir, it was just too much work to lift his ancient, moldy frame off the couch to move into action, too much work to shift the gray cells in his brain to think of what could brighten up someone's day.
But this year was different. Light had penetrated his crusty shell. Something, or was it Someone, had changed something in him. His blood began to course through his veins with renewed vigour as he bustled about, Christmas fast approaching, growing more and more enthusiastic by the second as he whipped his mind into action thinking of what to get him, her, this, that person...
Let me tell you, the saying "It is more blessed to give than to receive" really is true! I know it may be cliched and worn, but I can't deny the thrill I get when I'm preparing gifts to give to people. (Ed - I was kind of on a tight budget, so I figured the most economical and meaningful gift would be a handmade bookmark with my favorite verse on it and a personal message to the recipient. At the time of this post, I wasn't done yet with all my handmade gifts)
I've already given out a few gifts, and I must say that, if anything, gift giving, with a sincere heart does do wonders if you struggle with hard heartedness, etc. To see a person's face light up when you give him or her a gift, especially coming from stingy old Joel, really literally swallows you with good old mushy-feely goodwill. ;p
Aside, I must say that I'm really glad that I chose to handmake my gifts. I think it really adds to the gift, that personal touch. Personally, I prefer handmade, personalized "cheap" gifts to expensive, impersonal gifts. I really do. I'm feeling all romantic and emotional and "good-willy" now, so sue me.
A tip to any readers: try it! Give someone a handmade gift, lovingly crafted, and watch for his/her reaction. Then savour the moment, and enjoy that tingle of pleasure shoot up and down your spine as you thank God that you chose to give that person a sincere, handmade gift, instead of that expensive Adax pour Homme dress shirt/Dior fragrance he/she asked for.
Blessed Christmas, everyone.

That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to all whom God favors. "
Luke 2:8-14