What would you give up if God asked you? This question has been going through my mind a lot lately because back in the summer God started talking to me about having a gift free Christmas. When I think about Christmas and the traditions of running around like crazy people through busy malls looking for a gift that suits each person on our list the task is very overwhelming. What if you can’t find something special do you just choose a random thing just to cross that person off the list? Do you shop until you literally drop?
I find that sometimes this part of Christmas takes over from the real meaning, time spent with our loved ones. Thoughts on howJesus’s birth has impacted our lives. Christmas is Jesus’ birthday and he is the one we should be giving our gifts to. Our gifts of love to the poor and widows, our gifts of time, our gifts of generosity.
When God asked me to give up gifts it didn’t seem like that big of a impact because that to me is not the real meaning of Christmas. But when he asked me to not give any gifts to my loved ones that was harder to swallow. I felt guilt that my nieces and nephews would feel like I didn’t love them as much as others. Giving gifts is special to me as a way to show love but the real joy is spending time with my loved ones doing simple things. Yesterday I made ginger bread houses with my niece and nephew and we had such fun and it was such a good day. I think that that is what they will remember as they grow that I spent time with them not the gifts I gave them.
Instead of buying gifts I decided to sponsor a child through World Vision. My best friend is currently in Rwanda and she got to meet my new sponsor child, Jean Robert and his family. I have the opportunity to change a life with my money and that is a gift that I am willing to give. I was recently blessed with a new job so now I can give the blessing away.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love Nancy
