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Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Christmas is For Others

As the big day approaches, our house has been filled with a mixture of complete jubilee and great frustration from the waiting. My young son Cecil asks each morning, "Dad, is three days a super long time?"

I have been enjoying the wonderful baking Treasa has so graciously filled us with. I laugh as I listen to the kids discuss the uniquely shaped gifts under the tree, each one offering their guess as to what treasure is hidden within. It has really been an amazing season.

One thing I am sure many Dads or Parents can attest to, is that once you have kids, Christmas is all about the kiddos.

As you prepare your house, as you think of the perfect gift for each kid, then wrapping and placing it under the tree, each trip to the store, every gift purchased, each part of preparation, all of this work is driven by your love for them. You want your kids to feel special and loved.

The last thing on your mind as a parent is what you are going to get.

I remember as kids we would count the gifts under the tree to see if one of us had more than the others. We viewed this as a sure sign that our parents loved that child more. What a terrible thing we did to my parents. Yet each year, they rose to the occasion, and made sure every Christmas was so special.

My focus back then was getting what I wanted. How different that focus is today.

It's a natural transition. It wasn't a conscious choice I made to no longer enjoy gifts. It is a natural shift that happens when you love someone so much, so completely. They become your priority. You love them more than yourself.

The gifts you get that they made for you in school, or the gifts they created during the Christmas break, are pure gold. They are greater than any other gift.

In a way, this relationship between parent and child, is a reflection of God's love toward us.

In Matthew 7:11 says this, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

As hard as we try, as much work as we put in to giving to our kids, it is so small in comparison to God and His love for us, and the gifts He gives us. God, our Father, loves us so deeply that He gave the ultimate gift of His Son. He looked at us, saw our need, saw our desires, and was compelled to give us the most beautiful gift. The gift of life.

I imagine, when God sees us as parents, selflessly loving our kids, He feels a similar joy we do, when our kids bring us a gift they made themselves. There is great joy found in seeing your kids choose to show love to others.

In light of all of this, I want to leave you with a couple thoughts.

First, remember what this Christmas season represents. It represents God's love for you, God's love for everyone. This great love compelled Him to give us the greatest gift of all. Take time to thank Him, and consider what love He must have for you, to offer you such a gift.

Second, remember that Christmas isn't about you. It isn't about you getting your share. It's about you giving to others.

So live that out well. Focus your heart, your mind, and your actions on others. Give to them. Give them grace, give them forgiveness, give them patience, give them a smile, give them help, and sure, give out a few gifts too!

I pray God bless you and your loved ones during this season.

Merry Christmas!

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