Will that new ugly sweater change your life? Will the IPod make you happier? Will more crap fulfill you?

Christmas was about revolution, it was about change. Will it change you this year? Will knowing that Jesus came for you this Christmas change you this year? What will that change cause? 

Here are ways that Christmas is changing others… 

From Advent Conspiracy

We recently started sponsoring a child from Compassion International as a family. The kids give their tithe money from their allowances to sponsor Ludwin, a little boy in Peru. I started this because I wanted them to see the money they give to God in action. It’s only been a couple of weeks, but this has been a blessing to my family. My kids have such joy to give their offering to the Lord. They know they’re making a difference and acting like Christ, helping those who need help.

I knew we were doing a good thing, but all of that didn’t prepare me for a conversation I had with Samuel (my 3 year old) the other day. He came home from Wednesday night Cubbies at church and was in an obviously bad mood. So I asked him what was wrong and he told me that some nasty little boy tired to hug him and that he didn’t like it.

Surprised at his answer, I asked him “why.” And he replied, “I only liked to be hugged by my family… and my friends.” I was a bit amused at this because he doesn’t really have any friends besides his brother and sisters. So I asked him who were his friends. He said, “Ludiwn. Ludwin is my friend and I love him. I love him very much. He can hug me too, Daddy. It’s okay if Ludwin hugs me.”

Samuel meant it. He’s not a kid that just says stuff like that. Samuel’s transparent love broke me. Sure, on the surface it was sweet, but he really loves that little boy whom he has never met. Samuel prays for Ludwin and talks about him as he was the kid next door. He really loves him. 

Giving of yourself changes you. Christmas was about Christ coming to this earth as a gift to us. Will we follow in His footsteps and give of ourselves to others. Remember what having Jesus in your life has meant to you. Then go and do the same for someone else.   

How will this Christmas change you?

Here are four truths I leaned over Christmas from my kids:

1) Boots come in all sizes (even teeny tiny)

2) Samuel can do a mean impression of a gorilla (he received an animal book as a present).

3) Food eaten on a stick tastes better

4) You can spend all sorts of money on kids, but the best toys are free

So did you learn anything?

May walking with Christ bless your journey this day.

Twas the day before Christmas. I have nothing to blog.

Not rant nor a ramble. My brain’s all a fog.

With nothing to write, and nothing to say.

I’ll give you a picture to ponder this day.

[Instead check out this blog: Relevant Christian]

Miriam and I were talking during coffee this morning about Christmas traditions: ones we had grown up with, cultural ones,  and ones of other families we know. We’re at that point of trying to figure out what traditions of Christmas we want our family to engage in.

We’re really working to shake off the commercialization. Our kids aren’t into Santa. We’ve been working with them to understand that we should celebrate Christ year round and not simply once a year. We’ve been seeing this more of a time to draw near to each other as a family as we draw near to the Lord.   So we’ve been asking ourselves… what does that look like?

 So my question for you is this:

What are some of your families Christmas traditions that you hold dear?