The S.I.M.P.L.E Life - Part 2, Christmas

By Rebecca Busbee

I admit it, I’m a girly girl. I don’t like bugs, spiders, snakes or lizards. If it’s cold and slimy, has more than four legs and a forked tongue—I generally scatter, wince and call for my husband. However, there is one exception—frogs. For some reason, I have always loved their happy little, verdant faces.

When I was a child, my favorite amphibian was of course, Kermit the Frog. Although, Kermit was charmingly charismatic, eventually there would be another frog who would become even more cherished. His name was Ferdinand and for most of his existence, he lived perched high upon a shelf in my grandmother’s kitchen. We all loved that frog because of the scrumptious homemade cookies inside the belly of Ferdinand the cookie jar frog!

After my grandmother passed away, Ferdinand’s new home was in my mother’s kitchen on top of her refrigerator. However, one day, his removable head was dropped and shattered. Ferdinand’s new residence became a dark and lonely cardboard box in the garage. Several years later in May of 2000, my husband was diagnosed with Leukemia. During the Christmas of 2001, Andy was still receiving treatments and our medical bills were catastrophic and we decided to keep things simple and save money wherever possible. I am typically known for giving gifts that are unexpected and when I saw that poor frogs fractured head in the box in the garage, I knew I had to rescue Ferdinand and return him to my mom. Eventually, with my husband’s help, Ferdinand’s busted and broken head was restored. When my mother opened Ferdinand Christmas morning, her reaction was priceless. She laughed and cried and then told us the real reason Ferdinand was so special. Many years ago, in the midst of her own personal and financial trials, my mother gave Ferdinand to her mother. Not only does Ferdinand remind her of Grandmother, but he was also a reminder of the adversity she'd overcome. Ferdinand was truly a gift of sacrifice, however, for my mother, he was also a sacrifice that was well worth the cost.

Through my "re-gifting" of Ferdinand, I unexpectedly received a blessing in learning about the trials my mother had experienced. I also discovered that the simplicity of my gift equaled simplicity for our Christmas. Ironically, when I wasn’t consumed with searching for the perfect gift, I was more intentional on focusing on the Savior’s birth. Even though I surely did not desire the financial burden of cancer treatments, I did desire—and still desire—simplicity in my Christmas. And I want to keep the Prince of Peace the central focus of everything I do.

Admittedly, this is easier said than done. Usually, the busyness of the season leaves many of us distracted and depleted until we end up on auto pilot, praying for a miracle to get it all done. Ultimately, the true miracle of that glorious night is often missed and if we aren’t careful, we miss Christmas altogether.

In reference to the birth of Christ, Martin Luther said, "That He sunk himself into our flesh is beyond all human understanding." There is truly no way our finite minds can comprehend how the holy God of the universe, out of love for us, could leave his throne in heaven. And for what purpose? To dwell among us and offer us the gift of salvation and eternal life. Romans 6:23 reads "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." In addition, the popular Christian author, Max Lucado, says "Salvation is God-given, God-driven, God-empowered, and God-originated. The gift is not from man to God, it is from God to man." It was literally the greatest gift ever given and it’s free and irrevocable—now that is amazing love!

When I consider all that He is and all that He willingly did, how could I ever allow the message of Christmas to become just another over-commercialized holiday? Obviously, we know Christmas is about more than giving the perfect gift, baking the perfect cake or taking the perfect picture for our photo card, but somehow all these things seem to receive the majority of our time and energy. However, there are some practical ways we can simplify the season so that Jesus remains the central focus. And, in the process, we will experience the love and peace of Christ.
I encourage you to use the following S.I.M.P.L.E. steps as you seek to honor the Savior’s birth and discover the true joy of the Christmas season.

S — Share Christ’s love through various outreach ministries and acts of giving and service.
I — Isolate the majority of your holiday activities to the first three weeks of the month. Reserve
the week of Christmas as a time to prepare your heart, and fully focus on the Savior’s birth.
M — Make gifts to give and make memories at the same time. Become creative by making or creating a special gift. The recipient will feel more loved and you will feel more joy.
P — Promote proper perspective. Ask, "How is Christ’s birth honored by this activity or
spending decision?"
L — Less can be more. Don’t go overboard with excessive gifts for children. Try to limit them
to three gifts, following the example of the Wise Men.
E — Establish family traditions that focus on celebrating the birth of Christ.

The gift of Jesus is more precious than anything we could ever give and without a doubt the greatest gift we will ever receive. This year remember the lesson of Ferdinand and despite what the world screams, seek ways to simplify your Christmas and ultimately, you will welcome the Christ child in a more meaningful way. After all, He was the greatest Gift of sacrifice. And for the Father, He was well worth the cost.