December 8th by: Joann Briggs

His name is Benson Nyaga. And when I was in Nairobi, Kenya he was the equivalent of a physician assistant in a clinic operating out of the Marthe Worship Centre on the edge of the Marthe Valley slums. He worked tirelessly to bring health care to those who otherwise would not have had it. He seldom received a paycheck and went without until he reluctantly had to leave the clinic to take a job with a regular salary. We recently received word that Benson was in a terrible car accident in October and was badly injured. Surgery was necessary and the bills mounted up. His employer decided not to hold his job for him and Benson didn’t know where to turn, so he contacted our family.

Over the last few years instead of receiving a gift under the tree several adults in our family have requested a donation to a favorite cause or charity. On Thanksgiving Day we had a family meeting to re-think how we will celebrate Christmas this year. Scaling back the cost and number of presents was a given, but we wanted more. We were longing to leave the secular trappings behind and focus on the heart of the real meaning of Christmas and what that would look like for our family. Benson’s unfortunate circumstances made the decision easy, at least for the adults. We pooled all the money we would have spent on each other and agreed to wire it to Benson for his medical bills.

With a desire to further instill the true meaning of Christmas in the kids, we decided to follow a pattern that David and Colleen have used in their family for some time. On Christmas Eve, when we are all together, the kids will receive three gifts known as gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The grandparents will give the gift of gold. Gold stands for something special that you would like to have; myrrh stands for the gift of clothing and will be the gift from the great aunt and uncle. All other aunts and uncles will give frankincense, which will stand for charity. The six grandchildren have all had exposure to people less fortunate than they are and are sensitive to their needs so they will choose the charity.

A voice cries out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Isaiah 40:3
As soon as we had made our decision I felt an immediate sense of relief. No fighting the crowds, endless nights of wrapping presents, stress filled times trying to figure out what to buy for those who really don’t need anything. Yes, choosing to give to those who have needs feels good! It feels right! It feels Christian! And it frees me up to read the Christmas story in the beautiful language of King James, spend time in prayer for Benson and others who are hurting, sing the beautiful Christmas carols and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11. What a heritage we Christians have. Let the verses soak into my soul and fill me with thy love, Oh Father. Prepare my heart for the wonder of the babe born in a manager who grew to become a man, and anyone who is willing to believe in him will have eternal life. “Joy to the world the Lord has come, let earth receive her king.”

Joann Briggs