Give Birth to a Memory!

As I reflect on some of my favorite Christmas memories with our children, I'm reminded of the years we gave them the greatest gift we had to offer. They were the lessons about life and the real meaning of giving. It's where Acts 20:35 was birthed into their lives. Our children learned the true meaning of Christmas and how it really is more blessed to give than to receive. Below is a list of some of the ideas we have done through the years that taught gratitude, brought laughter, and grew our love for those less fortunate around us by giving the true joy of Christmas. My challenge to you and your family this year is to choose one item from the list below, put it into action, and watch the good news of great tidings of joy burst forth into your family this Christmas!

• The elderly are especially lonely during the holidays. Think of an elderly person or a shut-in who might be all alone. Prepare a meal for them. Consider going shopping to purchase a few items like toilet paper and other supplies they need and one item to make them feel special. Deliver it all as a family and give them a little of your time.
• Do you know a family in need who might not be able to afford Christmas this year? Some of our best and greatest memories were shopping for the family and delivering the packages on Christmas Eve without them knowing. Realizing the next morning they would have a special delivery for Christmas. The excitement of knowing they would never know who did it was the blessing our family never forgot.
• Do something nostalgic. Go caroling. Plan a few songs to practice the day before. Spend the day of your excursion baking goodies to share. Choose five houses of friends or neighbors you want to bless. Go to their homes, ring the door bell, sing one Christmas carol with a "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" rendition to end it all, and deliver your goodies.
• Spend the day baking spiced bread or cookies for the neighbors on who live on the four sides of your home. Deliver the loafs to their mailbox with a note that reads, "We are giving the gift of prayer this year. Please share something you would like for us to pray for you and your family during this holiday season and drop this note back in our box." This a great way to minister to neighbors who might not know the real meaning of Christmas by engaging them in sharing their needs for prayer.
• Contact your local nursing home to see how you and your family can help them during the holidays. Maybe they need help delivering packages or entertaining during their lunch hour. Sometimes they need help rolling wheelchairs down to the cafeteria. They love visitors and smiles.

Celebrate the gift of giving this Christmas! After all, our Father gave us the greatest gift of all and it was meant to be shared with everyone around us.