2-1-06 Thought from the Heart

Oh how I love to play "Dirty Santa." for those of you who don't, it is quite clear that you either are always unlucky in the game, or you just don't know how it is played. Let me explain. Everyone in the group is asked to bring a certain type gift. Sometimes a monetary limit is established. "Sometimes "white elephant" gifts or Christmas ornaments are encouraged. All the gifts are placed in a common area in view of the players. Then, the players are assigned a number (one for each person there). The player with the number one begins by choosing a gift and then opening it. The next player (#2) is then given the opportunity to "steal" the gift form #1 or to open a new gift. If a gift is stolen, then the "victim" gets to open or steal another gift and so on until the game is over. Some groups add rules such as a limit on the number of times a gift can be stolen. Anyway, it is great fun. You can learn a lot about a person by how ruthless they can be.

I love watching the intensity and hilarity that results from someone's determination to get that perfect and special gift. I love the fun of a gag gift. I love it all...almost.

There is a sad side to the game. AS I have watched the game over the years, I have noticed that someone always gets left out. I don't mean that they don't get to play. No. They get to open a gift like everyone else. The tension is in the air when they open that gift from the table. Then there is this awkward silence. The gift isn't goofy enough to be considered a gag gift. It is not good enough to be desired by the other players. It just disappoints. it disappoints not only the one who opens the present, but the crowd as well. That person will sit out the rest of the game watching everyone else's fun. Most of the time, he or she will be a good sport, but clearly the were disappointed.

As we approach the Christmas season, I hope that we will open a gift that won't disappoint. Christ has given us all second chances in life. Christ has offered us a peace that the world can't give. Christ has given us purpose and meaning in life. He has given us the opportunity to serve something greater than ourselves. He has given us life. This most precious gift came wrapped in rags and hidden in a barn. This gift won't spoil or disappoint. There might be such a thing as a "dirty Santa," but there is no such thing as a dirty Christ. Christ does not disappoint.

May you have a great Christmas and happy new year.

Pastor Jack 12/01/06