A Special Birthday Party

Last Sunday, I was privileged to see something special.  It was at a small church in a small town.  There was a family in which the mother & grandmother both had drug problems.  About a month ago, the 27-year-old mother overdosed.  Her 3-year-old daughter was left alone; so her great-grandmother started taking care of her.  Some members of a small church in that small town, heard about this family and decided to do something about it. 

So this small Sunday school class decided to adopt the 3-year-old child & do what they could to make her feel loved & wanted.  They helped the great-grandmother.  When they found out that the girl's birthday was coming up, they all chipped in to plan to a birthday party at the church for her.  They brought a colorful tablecloth, a beautiful cake, candles, & some presents.  When the girl arrived, she hugged the loving people there.  When they brought the girl into the room w/ the party decorations, her eyes got wide.  Her eyes took it all in, & she looked around the room at the people who prepared it.  She smiled wide.  The group sang "Happy Birthday."   The 4 candles were put on the cake, and she blew them all out with one big breath. 

Then they cut the cake, and started passing the gifts to her.

I'm not sure who was blessed more - the young girl or those who planned the party. 

Jesus said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 

Are u Dreading a Christmas Financial Burden?

A recent Think Finance poll showed that 45% of Americans would rather SKIP CHRISTMAS because of the financial stress and strain on their precarious finances.  They do not expect to have enough money to cover holiday expenses, which is understandable when you consider how many people live paycheck to paycheck.  Thus many are seeking ways to spend less during the holidays.  So I’d like to offer a few ways to limit or reduce your holiday expenses.

To get a handle on how much you spend on the holidays, make a list of those you give presents to and other holiday expenses, that shows about how much you spend on each.  Add up the total, and compare it to the funds you will have available.  Try to reduce or avoid charging things on your credit card.

Could you explain to some of those whom you usually give to, that you’re struggling financially or had unexpected bills, and plan a more modest Christmas?  They would understand if you could not afford to give them a gift. 

Consider an alternative such as a homemade gift or a card with a note about why that person means so much to you or what you appreciate about her.  Could you give him a dozen homemade cookies or another baked item? 

Read the Bible’s warnings about taking on debt in Proverbs 22:7, 26-27 and Deuteronomy 15:6.  Then refuse to feel guilty about not being able to give someone an expensive gift or perhaps any gift. 

Ask yourself if everyone on your list actually needs a gift?  Perhaps you could make a gift to a charity or ministry in someone’s name, instead of giving a gift.  About 7 years ago, my in-laws told their large family that they were going to use the money they’d used for Christmas gifts in the past, to support a mission project that Dad was involved in.  We felt good because we knew that those who were blessed through the mission project, needed the help much more than we family members did.  Could you do something like this?

Most importantly, focus on the MEANING of the Christmas season.  Picture the nativity scene with the poor shepherds and Mary and Joseph who were also poor.  The innkeeper was the only one with money, but was overwhelmed by his business.  The point is that Christmas is NOT primarily about money or things.  Everyone focused on the CHRIST-CHILD in the manger.  Christ-followers today need to focus on the same Christ-Child.

When your holiday financial burden is reduced, you’ll feel much more peace and joy.