The Mistake We Make of Christmas: Our Not-So-Holy Holiday

I have been wanting to write this post for a while, but it is hard to put these thoughts into words. Christmas is a celebration, a holy day to worship, it is not my birthday, and it isn't yours. It is nice to be with family, but Christmas isn't about family either, it is about celebrating the amazing miracle of the birth of the Christ child and what that means for us. That is my gift, that I am redeemed, that I am forgiven, because I took that gift 27 years ago right from the fingertips of Jesus.

Why then are we not content? I think it is because we never stop to evaluate our expectations. We never ask that of our kids either. We don't want to ruin their dreams. Only when they get older will they see right through the fickle Christmas that you built up for them, when they already have several 'Christmas tradition'  immersed brats of their own. That can change though. I want to change it now.

Let's fill our houses with the desire and anticipation of Jesus and not of wish lists, because He is the only one who will make us complete. We are not filled by lugging home 5 Christmas trees, one for each room of the house, each with its own theme. Giving presents doesn't even make us feel much better when we can see the getter of our gifts already has opened 10 toys in a row and can barely be grateful enough to muster up a smile. Giving should be done for those who need it. Pray about that. 

I've felt challenged in this season more than any other to give  to those who don't have- which is not my own children, my family, or those around me. We are blessed in this country, and when we look around some of us don't even see any need to give at all. I would challenge you to pray about your gift giving, the amount you are to spend on family and then to put aside money to give, or to buy something for a local food bank or one of the many charities who give practical gifts around the world (I'll provide a list below). Let's get out of our little bubble- the world awaits. There is no better season than this one, where in the name of Christ we don't say, but we do, we need to learn to be like Him in actions. 

What does that mean practically for us this year? We are still deciding.  The boys will each get two small toy gifts from us, and some clothes that they need, and some candy- as that is always gone really quick. The Husband and I have been paired down for a while, getting each other a book, a watch, or some small token of our love and appreciation.As a family we are going to set aside an amount of money to give. The boys will have a specific amount of cash that they get to give and they can decide where they want it to go- more than what their own toys are worth, an amount that they will feel thrilled to give away.

In the past we have just had the boys go through their toys and clear out for a new invasion of stuff. That is good to do, but I also want them to know others are just as valued as they are and should not only get their used items. We've also given to different charities, but mainly that was something The Husband and I did, and the boys didn't get to be that involved. I want to change that.

All around the world there is need, even locally if you choose to see it. I challenge you to pray about what you are to do this year. That you wouldn't just buy stuff because that is what you have always done, but that you would seek God's heart in your giving. It is still always important to give tokens of love to our families, and some of you may have family members in great need.Maybe you are to welcome others into your home who are depressed or without family for your special meals, or just to be with your family. There are so many options, many that don't cost any extra if this is a difficult season for you. No matter what there is always something you can do. Just do what God is telling you in this season, if you ask Him, He'll tell you.

There are many great organisations, here are some that I love. If you have a favourite, post it in the comments section and I'll add it in as well.

Living Water International- Providing Clean Water for Communities Worldwide
World Vision- Give a gift. Change a Life.
Compassion International

What have you done in your family in order to simplify your gift giving? As a child do you have a favourite memory of when Christmas was more than about the gifts? Has God been speaking to you about this lately? 

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