This is the most wonderful time of the year right? Except if your house is anything like my house, this time of year can be downright nutty. Between the perpetual sound of my children in the background asking for a christmas horde that would fill size of Scrooge Mc Duck’s treasure vault and deciding what relative we are going to have to offend because we won’t be able to make it this year..again; the whole “spirit of Christmas” can be lost. Add all the monetary problems that can multiply the stress of the holiday season, the weather problems that can literally damper your travel plans, that strand of lights you just can’t get to light up, the missing box of ornaments that has your great Aunt Marice’s special ornament she made during the time of the great depression and you have a combo that can truly distract you from remember WHY do we celebrate this season.

…On a side note, if it were not for the staple of Christmas comedy movies that my wife and I watch together, I believe all might be lost. These holiday classics bring a comedic relief we truly need!

Here’s a friendly reminder of the most famous verse in Christendom;  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16 NIV. I could say many things regarding this profound truth. But listen to the first part of this verse that I believe captures the essence of Christmas. “God loved so much that he GAVE…….”

Our Father is a giver. His nature and very being bestow every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).  Generosity is a part of who He is. Giving gifts to my kids is one of my favorite parts of this holiday. We think long, we plan, we discuss together how can we make this day special for them. I want to hit a home run on every one of these “special” gifts I give to my kids.

God is the same way. His plan was from the beginning of time to GIVE. He gave us the most magnificent gift that mankind could receive.

Therefore start a family tradition of giving. I’m not just talking about gifts to each other. Teach your children to give and to give with love. Teach them to find a need in this community or this world and give. If you don’t have a family challenge yourself to be a giver.  We have done several things as a family this Christmas to help develop a spirit of generosity in our children and to remind ourselves why we celebrate!

This is the most wonderful time of the year! Remind yourself the true meaning of Christmas.  Have a very Merry Christmas!!