Christian Moms Are Cutting Back on Children’s Gifts

“Then the shepherds went back again to their fields and flocks, praising God for the visit of the angels, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had told them.”  Luke 2:20 [The Living Bible]

This Christmas, Christian moms are saying to me they will have to cut back on their children’s gifts.  Some Christian moms are even saying they won’t do Christmas this year.  Just because you can’t buy expensive gifts and attend all the events that usually go with Christmas doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Christmas.

There is a positive side to the Christmas crunch this year. I hear people saying they won’t be able to do the things they usually do: go for a skiing holiday; take the family on a cruise; buy all those expensive gifts; not be able to attend that gala affair.

But there is one area we won’t have to curtail.  Infact, there is one area we will probably be able to expand.  Because we are cutting back on some activities that are out of reach this Christmas we will have more time for the most important activity of all; worshipping the Christ child.

The shepherds were busily at work watching their sheep, doing their ordinary tasks, when the angels appeared to them.  They brought Christmas cheer to everyone they met.  They had worshipped the Christ child and went back to work telling everyone what they had seen.

What a simple but meaningful way to spend Christmas!  Worship isn’t just praying and adoring God.  Worship is also something you do physically.  Worship is serving Christmas dinner at the homeless shelter. Worship is packing up all those gently used toys your kids have outgrown and delivering them to the “Inn from the Cold” depot. Worship is inviting a less fortunate family to have Christmas dinner with you. Worship is singing carols as your family decorates the tree. Worship is Christmas caroling at the senior’s centre or down your street. Worship is – use your imagination.

So this Christmas when you’re relaxing at home around the fireplace, smiling at your needy friend across the room, rejoice as the shepherds did and remember what Christmas is really all about.

My new book, A Christmas Present for Goliath is now available.  You can buy it at my website www.ruthwillms.com and start a new Christmas tradition, reading it with your children as you gather around the Christmas tree.