Why Give Gifts for Christmas?
There is this idea that has floated around social media for a couple of years now. I see it pop up and cannot help but laugh! You have probably seen it too.
While we all know this is a joke (please do not traumatize your kids like this), parents everywhere can understand the need to have our children obey.
For our family, gifts are a super fun part of Christmas. My kids always have their list ready to go and eagerly await the day they get to open their gifts.
Through giving of gifts to each other on Christmas, we show our children that we love them. We give these gifts freely. There are no strings attached to them. We do not constantly tell them that if they misbehave, they will not get their presents.
If their gifts were dependent on their actions, they would have nothing. I like to think that I have well behaved children, at least in public...ok well most of the time. The reality is, any chance they get, my children usually choose the most unwise action. Wether that is hitting their brother or sister, completely ignoring what they are told to do, or just refusing to obey, my children are far from perfect.
How true is this of each of us. I think about the free gift God gave us in Jesus. The reason we celebrate this season is the birth of Christ. The Savior of the world. The Prince of Peace. Emmanuel, God with Us! Freely given to a lost and broken world.
If my salvation were dependent on my actions, I would lose every time. I am a sinner, saved by grace, through faith.
Parent Hack:
Keep a bunch of wrapped empty boxes under your tree.
If your kid misbehaves, throw one in the fireplace!
While we all know this is a joke (please do not traumatize your kids like this), parents everywhere can understand the need to have our children obey.
This is not a post about how to discipline your kids or why we should.
Today, I want to talk about why we give gifts at Christmas.
For our family, gifts are a super fun part of Christmas. My kids always have their list ready to go and eagerly await the day they get to open their gifts.
While it is fun, this is not our focus during this season.
Through giving of gifts to each other on Christmas, we show our children that we love them. We give these gifts freely. There are no strings attached to them. We do not constantly tell them that if they misbehave, they will not get their presents.
If their gifts were dependent on their actions, they would have nothing. I like to think that I have well behaved children, at least in public...ok well most of the time. The reality is, any chance they get, my children usually choose the most unwise action. Wether that is hitting their brother or sister, completely ignoring what they are told to do, or just refusing to obey, my children are far from perfect.
How true is this of each of us. I think about the free gift God gave us in Jesus. The reason we celebrate this season is the birth of Christ. The Savior of the world. The Prince of Peace. Emmanuel, God with Us! Freely given to a lost and broken world.
If my salvation were dependent on my actions, I would lose every time. I am a sinner, saved by grace, through faith.
Ephesians 2: 8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith
and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
not by works, so that no one can boast.
So I choose to give. I give gifts to my children, freely. I want them to remember that there is nothing they have done to earn this gift. My love for them is not dependent on their actions. They cannot lose my love, just as I cannot lose the love and grace God has bestowed on me.
My desire is for my children to have a true heart change, not just good behavior for a season. It is so much harder to work on their heart and not just their action. Trust me, I fail miserably at this on a daily basis. But at Christmas, I can remind them again, how much I love them no matter what!
Give freely and love well!
Share the gift you have been given!
In the abundant love and grace of Christ,
PJ
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| Our Family 2017 |
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