Steve Alessi: Author of Alessi’s Angle, Pastor of Metro Life Church in Miami, Husband of World Renown Worship Leader Mary Alessi and Father of Four. All I Want For Christmas ... Hope
Kids always get asked this question at the holidays: "What do you want Santa to bring you this year?" They usually reply with answers like, a pony, a Barbie doll, a race car, Halo the video game, and on and on it goes. I remember one Christmas when one of my kids asked for a Chia pet! Strange gift I know, but it turned out surprisingly, to be a fun gift.
My husband Steve always asks me what I want for Christmas and depending upon how much money I've spent in November at Black Friday sales I know how to answer appropriately: "Oh, nothing in particular. I'm good." ;-) Clothes and jewelry, technology gadgets and iPhones don't really top my list as things I "have to have" this year.
In light of the tragic event last week in Newtown, Conn., we are all answering that question – "What do I want for Christmas" – a little less selfishly this year. I know for most of us it's hard to even celebrate when you know there are people who are suffering such devastating loss only miles away from us.
When I heard the news a thought jumped out at me. I began to think about when Jesus was born and how Pharaoh had issued a decree that all the children under two be killed. It was in an effort to intercept a messiah that had been prophesied that if born, he thought would end His rule. He not only killed precious children, he terrorized a nation. To think that hope was born in a time when there was so much fear is incredible. It shows us that no matter how dark or horrific things may be, there is still hope.
And that's what I want for Christmas. I want people to know, now more than ever, that there is hope for this world. Jesus' birth was because the Father desperately wanted us to have life and to enjoy it; not to live in fear and discouragement. That revelation energizes me and lets me see that Christmas is a celebration. So, celebrate big this year.
How do you make your Christmas Rock? Here are a few ways:
1. Invite someone you know to a Rockin’ Christmas service – there are a lot of them to choose from this year! (www.metrolifechurch.com)
2. Take your family to see Christmas lights and take pictures to share the fun.
3. Hug your kids a little tighter.
4. Be nicer to your in-laws ;-)
5. Take time to appreciate all that God has done for you this year.
What about you? What do you want for Christmas?
Happy 12/12/12 Day to You!
Before long she found herself surrounded by seven rambunctious German Shepherd puppies, and when those little mostly black puppies weren't so small anymore, they loved playing with and chasing the little white, four-legged chew toy all around the patio and into the house. Jill's only relief was jumping on the couch or into our arms. Sometimes, that little face of hers had the most puzzled look. If she could have spoken she probably would have just asked, "Why? Why have you done this to me?"
Then, we hit her with a move and she just didn't know what to do with the house filled with boxes and the garage packed with furniture. When we would let her out in the mornings you could just tell she was having a tough time with all this, as her whole doggy world had been turned upside down. At this point we thought it best to give Jill to a nice family that would be able to care for her in a better environment. Since we're moving to a new home anyway, maybe it would be best for her to also have her own new beginning in a more settled, less hectic home. The objector was my 21-year-old son Christopher. With all the transitions taking place this past year, he had moved Jill from the garage at night to sleep in his room and they now share a new bond.
That didn't, however, keep us from at least trying to give Jill a new beginning. While we were out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday, a wonderful dear family offered to "try out" Jill at their place. They already have a couple of very cute dogs and we thought this just might be the doggy heaven we were praying for, especially when we saw the pictures texted to us with Jill all dressed up in holiday garb. The only problem was, as little and cute as Jill can look, she's also a beast and can make life hell for you. Let's just say when my daughters were younger and wanted to know what the word B I _ C H meant, all I did was point to Jill and they fully understood that it’s not a nice word. So, home she came with all her cute little holiday clothes, and into the new house with us.
It didn't take long for her to settle into her old yapping, barking, whining self as she tried to make sense of the new scents, and she did it so loud and frequent that it actually made her hoarse. Now, a full week and a half into the new house, she's finally free from the hacking, and I just saw her jump up on the top of the back of the couch to her old comfortable place, stretch herself out, look at me, and with one big exhale close her eyes to take a nap. I guess she's letting me know she'll be just fine now ... thanks to the Beggin’ Strips (with real bacon) that help her cope with all the change.
As we're coming to the close of another year, let me encourage you to use this day of 12/12/12 to shift your focus towards the fun and excitement of the holidays. This is, as you know, a unique day with the calendar lining up the way it is, so take advantage of it and use it purposely. If it's been a tough year, it's time to exhale by emotionally and spiritually settling in for the fun of Hanukah, Christmas and New Years. We can always go back to the grind when January comes around.
Now for all those living in South Florida and looking for some fun ways to enjoy the holiday season, let me encourage you to come join us at Metro Life Church (www.metrolifechurch.com) and see how we're going to have A Rockin’ Christmas. It's starting tonight with a special 12/12/12 Service and then we kick off our "12 Days of Rockin Christmas" fun this Friday, Dec. 14, for Midnight Breakfast at several restaurants in Kendall, Doral and Hollywood/Pembroke Pines. We're the #FunChurch so come join us as we make Christmas Rock.
As you mentally set your sights on finishing 2012 strong with those you love, what fun things will you be doing this holiday season to make it memorable?
Larry the Compassion Guy
In the spirit of generosity, I've asked our dear friend Paola Roman to share her perspective on the benefits of serving others. As VP of Housing Development for the non-profit affordable housing developer, Carrfour Supportive Housing, she brings to her position a compassion that drives her to serve even beyond her hours on the job. Here is her inspiring outlook on serving:
Once a month for the last year, I have been volunteering with Metro Life’s Project Love Ministry. I’ve served at the Miami Rescue Mission, His House Children’s Home, and even an international mission trip. On my last service day, I asked others why they do it. A few students were very honest to say it was a class requirement and they’d rather be in bed. Others didn’t really know why they serve. I wondered, is service a trained response? Is it a natural human desire that requires awakening?
Service is more profound than what I can understand, perhaps because the heart of a servant is so complex and forever changing. I think it starts with the heart. For me it was a series of shocking realizations of injustices. Among the first was the stench of a human being laying on a cardboard box on a busy downtown street. They were always there, but one day I chose to see beyond my needs and was awakened to the pain around me. My confusion turned into anger, and with increased awareness of the hurt in this world, I eventually broke down into tears. I knew I could not stand by so I began to volunteer. To this day, my empathy does not allow me to live without taking action.
I believe this compassion for the suffering of others is the fundamental love that drives consistent service. While we may or may not fully understand the root of this love, the earnest desire to care for others grows as does our acceptance of His love. Serving can become overwhelming when you pour out love without refilling. But, God quickly showed me that we were never meant to carry the heavy burdens of this world. God taught me that His love is not only enough for me, but it is sufficient for others. His love truly is living water from a well that will never run dry. There is enough for my hurts and for that of my brethren. I can always go back and draw more of His great love to share with others for their time of trouble. I cannot describe the joy and satisfaction of seeing the power of love through service.
There is satisfaction in sharing this love with others, but my reward is found in Matthew 25:40 where Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least of these my brethren, you did it for Me.” Knowing that serving others in love is serving the God who first loved me is an immeasurable reward. To love another purely to the point of service is to sow a seed of love that reaps more love and great joy; it’s eternal.
So I urge you today to make a decision to serve, even train yourself if you have to. It may start off as work, but with time you’ll become addicted to the difference you will make as you love another with your service to them. Then, find a cause that you are passionate about. There is more need in our world than we know. Realize that when you serve with passion, it’s not work. And then align yourself with others who share the same love and interest. You would be surprised to learn you are not the only one concerned about this particular cause. And lastly, don’t wait for a “thank you” or an immediate impact. Just do it as an offering to God and know that your reward is an eternal treasure as consistent joyful service requires endless love.
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