Giving at Christmas

"Commercialization has obscured the meaning of Christmas. The commercial has become more important than the carol. What man has to sell [has become] more important than what God has given." ~ Anonymous

What is Christmas really about? It’s so easy to get caught up in giving gifts to people we like and people who are able to give gifts to us as well. What would bring Jesus the most joy this Christmas?

1) If we give gifts to those who are able to give gifts to us

or

2) if we give with anonymity and give to those who are not able to return monetary gifts to us.

Of course there is nothing wrong with giving gifts to people we love and people who give us gifts. It always brings me joy to give gifts to my children because I like to see them happy. Their enthusiasm is there regardless of the gift they receive because they like to be loved through gifts.

What are some ways we can love Jesus by loving other people this Christmas? Jake and Jessica, friends of mine have a great Christmas gift giving post so instead of trying to recreate it I'm just linking to their blog.

My health insurance, Kaiser sent out a newsletter that had some neat ideas for spending little, but loving much. To see the article, Gifts that Really Give click here.

Finally, reading together can make Christmas special. One book I checked out of our public library for my children was:The Christmas Candle by Richard Paul Evans. It is a children's book that I recommend reading aloud with children under 10 to make sure they understand what the author is attempting to teach to those with eyes to see. The book can be read in minutes, but the discussion that follows can help your children discover the true meaning of loving as Jesus loves and loving others as if they were Jesus especially at Christmas time.

Another neat book is The Special Guest: A Christmas Story by Lee and Donna Hall - The authors wrote the book for their children, but it's a short story with a beautiful message that can be enjoyed by all ages at Christmas and throughout the year. I read the story aloud to my daughter who was capable of reading it to herself, but it was a special time for us to read it together.

If you have any unique ideas you'd like to share about how you are making Christmas special or gifts you will give to make other's life more meaningful, please share in the comments section.

Merry Christmas!

Someone Thinks I'm Nice

I got an award! My new on-line friend Kay nominated me for the "Nice Matters" Award. Kay I need to nominate you back! I first “met” Kay at Randy Alcorn's blog when she replied to one of his posts. I liked what she said and checked out her blog. I was humored and inspired by her words and check back frequently to see what she is pondering. I’m looking forward to reading her novel someday in the future! Thank you, Kay!

“This award is for some bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award.”

Jake and Jessica are two amazing people I am thrilled to call friends. I first met Jessica at church and became fast friends with her. When she told me about Jake I was thrilled for her because if anyone ever deserved a good husband its Jessica. Jake and Jessica have hearts of gold and are filled with compassion for God’s children. Their biggest desire is to love people like Jesus and they are doing an incredible job! Jake and Jessica’s blog takes you across the world and back as they travel and minister everywhere they go.

Jen is a wonderful person that I “met” on-line years ago. She is an incredible wife, mother, photographer and Christian. Her words are always full of inspiration and wisdom. Jen’s blog showcases her photographic talent!

Karen is a tender-hearted on-line friend that is always opening her home to children whether it’s watching nieces and nephews or ministering to other parents. She is now considering opening her heart to children in need of adoption! Karen’s blog journals her life with its ups and downs always giving God the glory.

Nora is an online buddy that I “met” many years ago. She is a mom of eight children and is preparing to leave for the mission field in Brazil. Her heart is in missions and serving others. Nora’s blog shares about her family and ministry.

Renee is another friend that I know from the World Wide Web. Renee has been through a multitude of trying situations, yet she continues to hold fast to Jesus and spread HIS love to a hurting world. Her blog chronicles her life and happenings.

Stephanie is another on-line buddy that I “met” years ago online. She has been through numerous ups and downs in her life. Her blog chronicles her family experiences and her journey to make God first place in her life.