Christmas giving

True Christian Christmas

Christmas isn't showy gifts Or glittering decoration;

It's honoring our Savior, Jesus Christ In humble adoration.
It's serving those less fortunate, Meeting their needs before our own;

It's making sure at Christmas time That no one is alone.
It's taking what we would have spent On things that no one needs, And using it to help someone With service and good deeds.

Our Savior showed us how to live With charity, faith and service. It makes the holidays a joy, More peaceful, and less nervous.

So let's remember Christmas is About our Savior's birth;

That's the way to happiness, The way to peace on earth.

By Joanna Fuchs

This year during the Christmas season we decided as a family to reach out and help others in need. During this time in our world when there is so much hardship, worry, and confusion we wanted to help to make Christmas a little more "merrier" for those in need. As a family we feel so blessed despite the difficult times we are living in. It is so easy to get caught up in gift buying, the tree trimming, the parties, the wrapping of the gifts, and holiday baking. Sometimes we can forget the true meaning of Christmas~the birth of Jesus! Of course Christmas is also about giving. We realize there are so many families that are truly struggling and it is our job as Christians to be a blessing. It is especially important to Dan and I that we teach our children that there are many people who have far less than we have and that is important that we show God's love to them and be a blessing."For everyone whom much is given, from him much will be required." Luke 12:48

~As a family we have decided within our extended family that instead of exchanging gifts we would sponsor a family through the Salvation Army. My sister and I went shopping for our family over Thanksgiving weekend and it was especially hard to see some of the "gifts" they were asking for. A warm coat for their children, pajamas, sheets for the bed, socks, shoes etc. The things that way too often we take for granted and will buy for ourselves without thinking twice.

~The boys have received Christmas money from relatives and they choose a boy or a girl to buy for and bought a winter coat and gloves with their Christmas money instead of spending the money on themselves. We also talked about what it would be like to not have a warm winter coat or gloves to put on in this cold weather. Our church is collecting winter items and we will donate the coats and gloves knowing that a few more children will now be warm this winter season.

~We have a family member that is going through a very difficult time and will be unable to provide Christmas for their children. Along with my parents we bought clothes and toys for this family member and were able to send a big box filled with clothes to them. Just today I got a phone call from this family member in tears thanking me because she was so grateful! These are the moments that warm your heart to know that you have made the season a little brighter for someone else.

~Logan's class collected personal items for a behavioral health facility. Dan took him to pick out items to donate. He was able to donate three bags of needed items.

During this holiday season may we all look for ways to give. May we find ways to help those that are in need. May we help to make someone else's Christmas a little brighter. In doing this may we show the love of Jesus to someone else and be a blessing!