Since I know my daughter-in-law well enough, I feel free to share her post about Christmas since it so perfectly echos the thoughts of my heart this Christmas season. We cannot continue to celebrate Christmas as we have in the past and we cannot continue to spend our money on "things" that don't matter. We, too, are examining our hearts about how to celebrate as Jesus would, to bless our families, but also to bless those who are SO needy. Please consider the many ways to give so that others might have as well.
CHRISTMAS = More Christ
I know that Christmas music is playing everywhere (I love it!), decorations are up in most places, and many people are already finished shopping. Christmas is obviously a "consumer holiday" in which people in our culture will ask others for what they want and will get it. "Wishlists" are everywhere, "sale" is a favorite word, and lots of money will be spent on wrapping paper, ribbons, and tape alone. I have to admit that this year, more than ever before, I feel frustrated by the mentality that Christmas is about getting more stuff. The stress that accompanies this time of year with the need to get Christmas cards out, cooking completed, the house decorated, and gifts purchased, wrapped, and under the tree is so unfortunate. It saddens me that Christ is totally removed from Christmas in most venues despite the irony that HE is the reason for the season, and I think that's largely why many people are only consumed with consuming at Christmas.
I definitely experience my fair share of "wanting" (I'll spare you my list) BUT I also feel a new compulsion to put these feelings into perspective, and often, to combat them. The images that I have in my mind from our time in Ethiopia this summer are the shield against which the swords of "wanting" are deflected. It is not that I am plagued with guilt by consuming but rather that I am compelled with joy by giving. God is truly working in my heart on this issue, and as a family, we are praying about how to use the resources that we have been given to give to others in need, ESPECIALLY at Christmas. Why? Because of Christ. "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40
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I definitely experience my fair share of "wanting" (I'll spare you my list) BUT I also feel a new compulsion to put these feelings into perspective, and often, to combat them. The images that I have in my mind from our time in Ethiopia this summer are the shield against which the swords of "wanting" are deflected. It is not that I am plagued with guilt by consuming but rather that I am compelled with joy by giving. God is truly working in my heart on this issue, and as a family, we are praying about how to use the resources that we have been given to give to others in need, ESPECIALLY at Christmas. Why? Because of Christ. "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40
What do SOME people need this Christmas?
Clean Water...
A place to live...
A School...
A Living...
A Family...
YOU can give a gift that changes or even saves a life this Christmas. It's not an iphone, a Wii, or a pair of designer jeans. Shop below and consider what Christmas can do for "the least of these." If you have more ideas, please share them too!
Finally, a fellow adoptive-mom collected a list of folks that are raising money for adoptions by using their creative talents to make and sell products. Consider shopping this list of beautiful and fun items and know you're helping to set orphans into forever families.
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