I have always told my kids that on Christmas, Jesus’ birthday, instead of giving gifts to him, Jesus wants us to give to one another. Chris said something interesting though, that I really liked. He said that if it is Jesus’ birthday we are celebrating, and we are giving gifts to Jesus, what would he want us to give? He would want us to give to “the least of these”, to help them. So, what if we used the money we would spend on meaningless gifts, on providing basic necessities for people who are suffering from extreme poverty? What if at Christmas time we could focus our energies on helping communities who have only dirty, disease-ridden water to have clean, fresh water? What better gift can you think of than to help alleviate someone’s suffering in some way?

He also discussed the importance of giving gifts that have real value eternally. When we give, not only to the least of these, but to our friends and family, we should think of eternal benefits. For instance, if a gift is accompanied by time spent together, or words of love, it is more impacting and beautiful. For so many, time spent together is the best thing they can hope to receive during the holidays, because for many people the holidays are not a season of joy, but of great loneliness and sorrow. Also, we can hand-make gifts which has a special sentiment all to itself. Or we can give gifts that retell the story of the first Christmas in beautiful and meaningful ways.

A real threat to genuine Christianity these days is consumerism, but we don’t have to perpetuate it in order to give to others. That does not mean we cannot or should not buy toys and video games and other consumer-based presents for our families and friends. Balance is essential. And focus is essential. What is the focus of your giving? Is it to have more and better things than others? Is it to have more and better things every year compared to years before? Or is it to bring the joy and magic of the birth of Christ to others, including your own family?

Do you have a story to share about a time you gave or received a gift that made a real impact? A lasting, eternal, relational impact? Do you know of a time when somebody else did so and it touched you? If you are interested in sharing that story with me for possible use in my upcoming book, please come and share your story with me at JotForm.com. And thank you for sharing. Our stories draw us together, and make the world a better place.

What about hope for opportunities to touch the lives of others without having to make up an excuse to do it? Do you need an excuse to do it? Is it hard to live generously, boldly, in the face of the needs of others when it is not Christmas? Maybe not, but I think for many of us it helps to have an obvious reason. Stepping out isn’t always easy.

Was there a time when you were emboldened to make a real difference in someone’s life because it was during the Christmas season? Did it help that the holidays were drawing near? Would you have found it more difficult to act had it been summer? Would the person on the receiving end have been as open to help or change haad it not been Christmas time? If you are interested in sharing that story with me for possible use in my upcoming book, please come and share your story with me at JotForm.com. You don’t have to include answers to any of the questions I asked above, those were meant to provoke thought. However, feel free to address any of them at your ease. And thank you for sharing. Our lives wouldn’t be the same without each other.

During WWII the President asked that cards go out earlier, so there would be time for the soldiers to get them before Christmas. Isn’t that wonderful? Slowly the Christmas season in the United States has grown to a much longer time span than simply one week. It is not uncommon today to find Christmas-specific products for sale alongside Halloween items. Some retailers even pull out their Christmas stock in September!

I understand that the driving forces behind presenting Christmas that early are not Christ-driven but money-driven. But what is it that makes people willing to spend their money on it at that time? The fact remains that there is something wondrous about Christmas. What is it?

My husband, David, taught me something valuable several years ago when I was challenging the acceptance of Santa Claus in our personal Christmas celebrations. I had been worried about the prevalence of Santa, and how his presence seems to detract from the emphasis on the birth of Christ this time of year. I was about to do away with Santa in our home altogether. Seeing my struggle, David reminded me that because of Santa Claus the entire world celebrates Christmas – a Christian holiday. It’s almost like Santa is a missionary! (I know, David laughed at me at that point too.) He brings the message of the birth of our Savior to the whole world.

So as we shop, and as we dream, and as we decorate, bake, and gather, let us think of the things that make Christmas so special. I particularly will be doing this because as we enter the Christmas Season this year, I find myself embarking on a new journey. I am writing a book, something I have dreamed of since I was very young. I have had many book ideas float around in my head, but this is the one I am excited and committed enough to actually make happen. And I will be using this website as a vehicle for conversation and sharing to help make this dream of mine a reality. Welcome, and Merry Christmas!