"Gift Eternal"
We decided years ago to cut way back on Christmas gifts. It was easy to work out since there were four of us, so each would receive three gifts, based on three gifts Christ received from the Wise Men. (Just the number, not the actual gifts - couldn't afford those!)
Each one of us would pick out a person/persons we didn't spend much time with, bake cookies together, deliver and visit. We found it took more of an effort to "gift" this way. Much more than going to the store, wrapping, and putting under the tree.
There were some who expressed to us they felt we were depriving our sons, but within one Christmas I became thankful for our changes. It opened my eyes to seeing in our home, Christmas was becoming too much about the world of retail and not the birth of our Savior. Each year, Curt has read the Christmas story from Luke, have a prayer circle, sharing what we are thankful for in the past year and then - then we open our gifts.
It was after much prayer we decided in this way to celebrate His birth. Throughout the seasons of life we have found it is a must to be flexible as we continue to build off this foundation we began. It has become more important in being used for Him through our "good works and word", because falling more "in" love with our ABBA brings about the desire to please Him more and more.
I love these verses -
"When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn’t get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders." (2 Timothy 2:2)
particularly the part about not getting "caught up in making deals at the marketplace".
The marketplace - it hasn't a care about Christ birth,
how much debt you will be accumulating,
how empty you will feel after the moment of unwrapping has passed.
There is only one gift which is able to cause you to feel like celebrating every moment - no matter the circumstances - for the rest of your life.
It is the gift of our Savior.
It is a gift paid in full.
How many are on your Christmas gift list to give the True Gift of Life?
I am praying you don't get caught up in the market place in the world's way of celebrating, but "concentrate on carrying out orders" - ABBA's orders.
"So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations: Baptize them in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
Be a deliverer to those who need The True Gift of Christmas.
Every day - as you live - not just at Christmas time.
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