Dear Family,

I would like to suggest that instead of asking the traditional question, “What do you want for Christmas?” we ask a different question.

The question I believe we should ask is “What do you want to give this Christmas?” After all Christmas is, at least it is supposed to be, about giving.  It is about God giving you and me a Savior.  It is about God giving us His love in human form.  It is about God asking a young man and woman to give up their wants and desires to parent His Son, Jesus.  It is about God giving shepherds a vision of angels proclaiming the birth of their Lord.  It is about God giving a sign to magi that a King is born.

The story of Christmas makes it very clear that its purpose is giving not getting.

Allow me to make some suggests as to what you can give others this year.

COMPASSION – A spirit of concern that will move hearts to action when someone is hurting.

KINDNESS – A moving force behind small, encouraging gestures or a major investment of time and effort to help someone else.

HUMILITY – A quality that enables us to enjoy our success while giving God the credit.

GENTLENESS – An attitude that doesn’t clash with others because it is never harsh or unnecessarily forceful.

PATIENCE – A spirit that endures day- to-day irritations and frustrations with serenity, and bears with the shortcomings of others in a loving spirit.

LOVE – An emotional and spiritual desire to be the light and presence of the Christ-child to all.

WORSHIP – A desire to praise and adore God for His rich blessings that He gives to us everyday of the year.

What Can I Give Him?

What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd I would give a lamb.

If I were a wise man I would do my part.

Yet what can I give Him?

I Can Give Him My Heart.

(Christina Rossetti)

May your Christmas Giving bring God’s richest blessings to you.