Today, I am grateful to Sonya at Truth 4 The Journey for this excellent post. Sonya also writes parenting pointers for Titus 2 In Action. As you read this, you’ll see why. Be sure to visit her at http://truth4thejourney.blogspot.com.
Only 18 days remain until Christmas! Have I bought the right gifts? Have I made my lists, and checked them twice? These are common thoughts for many of us right now. We need to make Christmas special and memorable, right?
Wait! Whose birthday is it, anyhow? Most likely it’s not someone in your family or circle of friends. It’s Jesus’ birthday. So where is He on your list? After all, it is His birthday. Shouldn’t He be on your list?
I know that in today’s society we are pressured to make a list of loved ones and to put down the perfect gift idea for each one. But what if we put the name Jesus first under each loved ones name. Next, pray and ask what God would want you to give that person. I’m not talking about material things here. No, I’m talking about relational gifts.
Here are a few examples:
Christmas List:
1) My husband
a. Jesus – Pack his lunch at least once per week with a love note.
2) My daughter (toddler)
a. Jesus – Plan a play date for just the two of you and play what she wants to play.
3) My daughter (teen)
a. Jesus – Go online together to find a child to sponsor (this was her desire for Christmas this year). Then take her shopping to buy gifts for that child.
4) My daughter (tween)
a. Jesus – Put a love note from God (He inspired me to write love notes based on scriptures. If you are interested in them you can contact me) under her pillow every Monday this month.
5) My son
a. Jesus – Spend the time to read the Bible with him two nights per week.
These are a few examples from my own Christmas list. As I study the Bible, I find that God is not interested in the material things that we can give as much as the relational things. He is all about relationships and we need to put those at the top of our lists.
I pray that God will lead you and guide you this holiday season as you remember that relationships are far more important than material things.
Dear Lord, I thank You and Sonya for this precious reminder to keep the Giver of all gifts at the forefront of our gift-giving. Help u’s to remember that it’s relationship that is most important – with You and with each other.
Susan