Remembering ChristmasSample

The Gift Of His Presence By Andra Pinkston When you think of Christmas and finances, what comes to mind? For me, it’s shopping malls, shopping lists, and the stress of thinking of and FINDING the perfect gift. I also think about whether our budget will recover in January once all those packages are unwrapped. For some, the loss of a job or an unexpected medical bill can overshadow the stress of any gift exchanges. This time of year can be full of wonder and full of challenges. But what if our hearts could shift from what we are buying to what we are doing ? I recently asked our boys to tell me what they loved about Christmas. Their responses included mentions of celebrating Jesus’ birthday and seeing family, but eventually and expectedly they said, “presents!” I then asked them to tell me about the presents they received last Christmas? Our middle son named a special gift he had received, but before long their responses became mostly general descriptions of toys that covered our playroom floor. Then, I asked them about their favorite memory of Christmas. Immediately, they started spouting off details about the gingerbread houses we made with the tiniest candy canes, the night we drove to see the light display that played a Star Wars song, and the time their friends came over and watched a Christmas movie in a tent in our living room. That’s when it hit me— our boys can and will be excited about presents— but their lasting memories involve our presence as we celebrate this season and the One whose birth brings us together. So, how do we balance gift giving, limit the stress on our budgets and focus on being present with our Savior and those closest to us? In Matthew 2, we read about the three wise men who came to see Jesus after his birth. Matthew 2:11 tells us, “ . . . they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.“ What did the wise men bring? They brought presents! But what did they do first? They spent time in His presence . Look for ways to incorporate new traditions that will not negatively affect your financial standing. This Christmas, let’s enjoy giving those we love a few treasures as the wise men did, but let’s remember that our presence and being in HIS presence are our most important gifts.