The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

By Teresa Lusk

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Or is it? Job loss, foreclosures, illness, depression over the economy, and other circumstances hover over many families. Parents are wondering if they will be able to gift their kids abundantly. Having friends over to show off the new Christmas tree theme may be a thing of the past for now. Eating turkey till the tummy nearly pops will not be possible, a very important tradition not feasible this year.

Ask yourself, where does the joy really lie for me and my family? In gift-giving? In gift–receiving? For most of us, yes. From the time of creation, God has been a giving God. First, He gave life to the earth and the skies and all that lives in them. Then, He gifted us with the first human entity, Adam. God then gave Eve to him, again, a gift. Finally, the human race expanded a fine present to our world.

You and I have heard it, read it, and know that we live in a society of shopping. Christmas time is used by retailers to become richer and remind the unfortunate of what they can not have. The good news is that the real and important gift will never be taken away from us, and that is Jesus Christ. Though we may not be able to spend hundreds of dollars on items we do not need, the gift of Jesus Christ is free to all. No need to dig in your pocket for change or pull out the credit card to become indebted. He already paid the price for us to open our hearts and lives, for Him to come and dwell in us, a gift that will never deteriorate, or be eaten by moths.

How do we get the gift that never ends, always heals, restores, and seeks relationship eternally with us? Simply believe with your heart and invite Him with your words by saying to Him, “I want the gift of salvation, and that which provides me with the gift of forgiveness of sins and the ability to be in the presence of God forever.” Don’t forget to tell your family and friends about the “gift” and where to get it!

What about the temptation of material presents? How does one overcome the sadness of a difficult year? Shift the focus! First, fix your eyes upon the true reason for celebrating Christmas, the birth of Christ. Look at your surroundings and thank God for all that you own, especially those items that are not necessities. Attempt to find new ways to discover the pleasure of meaningful gift-giving and receiving by surprising your kids or family with a small box of brownies or cookie dough wrapped in a box. The true gift is the time you will spend together. Teach them that when times are hard, time together and life eternally with our Savior are still the most powerful presents we will ever open.

Teresa G. Lusk is the author of,  Good Enough to be a Homemaker and CEO™ and is a faith-based motivational speaker know as The Homemaker CEO™. She resides in McKinney, TX with her husband and children. www.homemakerceo.com.