Finding Christ in Christmas

This year I have been in a complete Christmas funk-and I had no idea why-until today.

We have scaled back Christmas bit by bit each year. It used to be “top last year” and each year we tried to give buy a little bit more.

Then we realized that was ridiculous. No one needs that much stuff. Seriously.

The more stuff you have-the more stuff you want. I mean, there is always more stuff. Even with DVR skipping-the commercials are everywhere. One more “the toy” commercial and I just might vomit. It has even invaded my email-especially the homeschool companies-like crazy. Really?

This year we drew the line- no video games, no movies. We still could have done less.

We don’t do Santa {we used to}, we don’t sing happy birthday to Jesus {it isn’t His birthday-and would He want that even if it were?}.

If we are to continue with this day as a day of gift giving with our Lord in mind, how would HE want us to spend our time and money?

“For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” Matthew 25:42-45

We sat the children down today, and discussed what next Christmas will look like. They will each get three gifts {not expensive gifts}. A want, a need, and a Spiritual gift. We will keep their gift exchange for each other {and their $10 limit}.

With the money otherwise spent? We will be giving to those who have a greater need than we do. We will be choosing more than our usual two nursing home patients to buy presents for, and invest in them instead.

We hope to do more than just this Christmastime “adoption”, but to keep tabs on them throughout the year. Their needs extend farther than one day a year, and this is something we want to teach our children-compassion. Giving. Love.

Not materialism.

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Matthew 6:24

There are many groups we can work with, there are many needy all over the world-but for next year-we want to impact our family with those who are close enough to see their faces. To experience, witness the joy giving means.

He loved us. He gave His life.

May we give to others and share His love, finding Christ in Christmas.