REDEEMING GIFTS

IT"S FRIDAY!! I'ts also CHRISTMAS TIME!!!  I LOVE this special time of the year! There are so many beautiful ways to celebrate the birth of our Redeemer!  I go all out to make Christmas a cherished and memorable time.  NOT because of black Friday shopping, busyness, or even the presents.  I love to Rejoice  with the whole world that the Creator and God of all came to this fallen world to save lost humanity (i.e. ME)!  Think about it! Every nation and tongue in one way or another whether they acknowledge it or not celebrates at this time of the year and it all began with a star, stable, shepherds, wise men, and a PROMISE of REDEMPTION!
                                                        
Making Christmas special in today's society means $$$$$$$$$$.  That is so not true!  I have such fun each year finding new inexpensive or free ways to make memories that remind us what this is all about.  Remembering the reason for "the most wonderful time of the year" has to be intentional.  I admit to having to remind myself every year to NOT get caught up in all the hubub.  It is no coincidence that the specialness of the season has been taken over by retail, Santa, Frosty, and reindeer.  The enemy of our soul would like us to forget its ALL about Redemption, Love, Hope, Grace, and Peace.  I WILL NOT forget or allow my family to forget that the payment for our sins began in the manger and was completed on the cross.
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So how do we keep CHRIST in CHRISTMAS? GIVE.  It's that simple.  That's what He did for us. But, we have to redefine the word GIVE.  The difference in His giving and the worlds giving is He gave Himself.  I've come to realize that giving of myself and giving meaningfully is much more valuable than giving a quantity of things. So, this year I am doing just that! There is freedom in giving to others the way Jesus gave to me.
                                                         

The absolute best gift we can give anytime of the year is Jesus!  He's the gift that gives for a lifetime!


                                                 
If you are like me you need something to give you ideas or get your creativity flowing.  The following links have some beautiful ideas for giving Jesus during this time of the year that is all about Him.  ENJOY!

http://tsjphotography.com/blog/random-acts-of-christmas-kindness-summary/
http://blog.jamesandjuliepaquette.com/2011/12/02/shepherds-pouches/
http://www.squidoo.com/christmas-jars

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!