Day 47 - Inspired to act

The buzz of Christmas is part of my DNA because my parents owned adjacent shops, and I often helped with receiving deliveries and serving behind the counter. I remember the joy on customers’ faces when they found just the right present for their loved ones. It did not matter whether the gift was expensive or not, was big or small, as long as it was right for the recipient. So, I am naturally interested in articles and social media posts that feature shopkeepers and their shops, particularly at Christmas time. One post showed a YouTube influencer walking through their Christmas shop, which was resplendent with Christmas trees, wreaths, baubles, and green tinsel. Although we too can decorate our Churches for Christmas and make them attractive places to visit, what we offer must go deeper.

Returning to the shopkeeper, I wanted to know more about this YouTuber, so I viewed an earlier post about the most important and key things in their life. The first item on the list, not surprisingly, was a mobile phone. The second item on the list was the Bible. In summary, the shop owner states:

I begin my day, every day, with the Bible. Thirty-five years ago, my brother got married and he read the Bible before doing so. I decided to do the same. I read the one they gave me from school. Ever since I read a passage every day unless I am abroad, and I forget to take the Bible with me but that is not very often. It is [the bible] humbling, and grounding. It is instructional and keeps a bad person like me on the straight and narrow, I hope. [Said with a cheeky grin.]

What an inspiration. A successful shopkeeper, who starts each day with the Bible, and has done so for 35 years. How many of us can say we read our bibles daily? What is more, do we say this publicly, to our friends, family, customers, and those we don’t know. As I say, it is an inspiration.

Although I am unaware of the owner’s background or beliefs, following this daily routine would benefit many of us. Do you feel inspired to act and make that level of commitment?

Christmas is about giving, sharing, and celebrating our Lord’s birth but too often our good endeavours end shortly afterwards. We need to be committed to supporting others after Christmas, when the nights are dark, the wind is cold, and life can be lonely. Like reading the Bible, we need an ongoing commitment to support others. A phone call to someone who popped into the Christmas lunch, a thank you card to someone who helped during the Christmas period, or chatting to a neighbour can demonstrate more Christian love than grand gestures. Also, keep going with the phone calls, texts, card, and chats. What a Christmas present that would be?

Before I add my prayer, I asked the YouTuber for their permission to credit them, but I have net received a response. So, I have not named the shop owner.

Prayer

Father, thank you for the joy which sharing presents brings. Please help and guide us during the coming months to support those in need, to go out into the community and demonstrate practical love. Amen

Michael Rolton