And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.    Matthew 2:11

The Advent season is upon us and many are preparing for Christmas. Family traditions are being continued and some are being started. Just this week, we have been made aware of two young families who are making their plans for the celebration of Christ's birth. Both of these focused on how they would handle the giving of gifts.

One family chose to give their children only three gifts modeling after the wise men giving of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each child would receive one gift of great value, another of practical value, and a third that would enrich them mentally such as a book. Then, they would determine as a family how they would give to those in need, which allowed the children to think about others rather than what they are going to receive.

Another family talked to their children about beginning their Christmas tradition, and the subject got around to giving to others rather than themselves. In the process, they got out a World Vision catalog to see if there is something that they might want to do as a family through that ministry. After much contemplation, they chose to provide five fruit trees to a needy family in a foreign country. Once they decided what they were going to do, they asked their two children what part they wanted to play in providing these trees. The younger one said he had a dollar that he was willing to give, which was about all he had. The older was willing to not only give from his savings but challenged the family to provide ten fruit trees rather than five. In order to fund the trees, they got busy and collected as many aluminum cans as they could get so thy could take them to recycling and receive a small amount to put towards the trees.

Upon returning from the recycle, the money was placed on the kitchen counter, and the father challenged the children to think about how they could supplement the funds they had already raised.
Immediately each child dashed to the piggy bank in their room and brought back some or all of their savings to provide for these trees.

How exciting it is to see families working to teach their children the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of giving to others instead of the commercial Christmas of self that is promoted by the world.

Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothed you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go and visit you?"

The King will reply, "I tell you the truth whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."     Matthew 25:37-40

As we celebrate the birth of Emmanuel, God with us, may His presence and peace with you.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul,Gail, Patsy, and Penny