December is the time of year that we give and receive gifts to one another more than any other month of the year. Some will be given in the spirit of friendly exchange, while most will be given in love, by family and friends who really care and want to express that love by their giving. When you love someone, really love them, there is no gift too great that you would not give them. I like to think that the reason we give gifts at all during the Christmas season, is because of the example that God gave us, by giving His greatest gift to the world in the birth of His Only Son; and while we celebrate God’s greatest gift ever, during this time of year, I am reminded that God gives many more gifts that are to be acknowledge and appreciated as well. Gifts that are worthy to be passed on to our children. Gifts that if utilized, will bring a greater since of peace and joy into our holiday season, reducing the stress and havoc that the holidays seem to sometimes bring.
Years ago when my daughters were young, I decided one Christmas to use the holidays to teach some very important spiritual and moral truths to them. Instead of hanging the normal favorite Christmas ornaments on the tree that year, we hand-made new ones. Each one was created with some type of spiritual lesson or moral value attached to it. As we designed our new ornaments, I talked with them about the kind of gifts that God gives us. We discussed what the scriptures teach us are spiritual gifts and how we could utilize them during the Holidays, by loving on people and ministering to them using those spiritual gifts that God has placed inside us as His children. As for the gifts, we wrapped empty boxes and labeled them with words like, Joy, Peace, Long Suffering, Kindness, Helpfulness, Forgiveness, Gratitude and other words that were befitting to the character of God. I tried to use every moment that I could that year as a teachable opportunity to teach charity to my daughters.
Christmas does not have to be full of strife and hectic schedules. Often times, we ourselves are responsible for creating the havoc in our homes by not slowing down and saying “NO” to things that we may should have said “NO” to. Taking the time to create lessons that will have a positive and lasting effect on our children will be so worth the effort, if we will simple choose our Holiday activities and battles wisely. While there is nothing wrong with giving toys, clothes and candy to our children as gifts, be sure to make the effort in teaching them charity….the gift that last forever!
Praying peace and joy for your family during this Holiday season!
Hold Fast,
Bren
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