It is truly, genuinely and honestly Christmas. I am writing this article the week before Christmas, and you are reading it the day after Christmas. I can’t really ask if you are ready for Christmas… it is way past that now and too late! I have the decorations up, presents bought, wrapped and mailed to the ones out of town. I got the Airbnb to stay at with the daughter, sonin- law and grandkids. Got the Christmas dinner menu planned out. Only a few little gifts to buy and deliver. Yes, I am pretty well ready for the big day. Today I put on the final touches. I went to give blood for the OBI Christmas blood drive.

I know, that doesn’t sound very Christmassy, but giving blood is something I try to do every 6-8 weeks. I have been doing this since about 2008 while living in Southwest Arkansas. It was a blood drive that saved my life (I believe).

Back in 2008 I was somewhat overweight (265 lbs.). I was paying no attention to my health. We sponsored a blood drive at the church where I was pastor. Shortly after the drive I received a letter from the Arkansas Blood Institute informing me that my cholesterol was off the charts (350+), my blood sugar was in pre-diabetic range, my blood pressure was too high, and I was severely overweight.

I saw a doctor and began making major lifestyle changes in how I was eating. I started a rigorous exercise program. I cut back on coffee (a little) and soft drinks were eliminated completely. Stress began to reduce, as well as weight, cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. By the end of one year I had lost 65 pounds and was quite healthy.

Since that time I have fluctuated weightwise, but seem to settle around 210 lbs. My blood pressure remains steady and healthy. The blood sugar is a continual struggle but maintained with medication. And I continue to give blood as often as I can.

I have given whole blood, platelets and plasma. The blood institutes say giving blood regularly reduces stroke and heart attack. Since both of these run in my family, I do whatever I can to help my chances of avoiding either!

So as I was lying in the chair/bed giving whole blood today, I began thinking about the time of year and giving blood. It was a blood drive that made me aware of my unhealthiness, and I believed saved my life. I am here giving blood that will in all likelihood save someone’s life, also.

The blood institute gave the stats on blood needed at Christmas time. One donation can save up to three lives, every three seconds someone needs blood and 1,200 donations are needed every day. And…this time of year donations seem to drop, and this creates a shortage in many hospitals and medical facilities.

What does this have to do with getting ready for Christmas (I bet you are asking)? Well, since you’re asking in your mind, here we go. Not only did the blood institute save my life and blood donations save thousands of lives each day, there was a man who shed his blood and died so that I may live. It didn’t take a whole unit, only one drop. Jesus shed His blood at Calvary that all who believe would have eternal life and not death.

But, salvation did not start at Calvary with bloodshed. It started in a manger, in Bethlehem, with a virgin named Mary who was engaged to Joseph. Because of a census by the government, Mary and Joseph made a trip to Bethlehem, probably knowing that she was going to give birth sometime during the trip. And sure enough, when they got to Bethlehem that time came, and there was no place to have the Baby Jesus except a stable out back. Mary had Jesus and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger.

It may seem out of place to give blood during a holiday, but I think it is completely normal and can be a reminder of what Jesus did for us. His blood that was shed at Calvary had its start at Bethlehem in a manger. Jesus was born to save lives eternally with His blood. Maybe this Christmas I can save an earthly life (or two or three) with my blood. What a cool Christmas gift to share with someone this year!

Merry Christmas Bro. Tim