Christmas Through the Heart of a Child

I love experiencing Christmas through the hearts and eyes of children. They teach us so much. Last weekend I took a walk in the snow with my sweet granddaughter, Brenna.

"What would you like for Christmas?" I asked.

"Grandma, you're not Santa Claus!"

"I know I'm not Santa Claus. But I want to buy you a gift for Christmas. What would you like?"

"Grandma, it's NOT MY birthday. It's Jesus's birthday!"

 I could almost hear the SHEESH!!! in her rolling eyes! Adults can exasperate children with our stupidity.

Brenna made me think, What will I give Jesus for His birthday? Good question.

How about you? What will you give to Jesus this Christmas? I suggest your children (and you) include Jesus on your Christmas gift list. Then we'll sleep like Brenna knowing Christmas isn't all about us. It's all about Jesus.

 

 

Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay

Close by me forever and love me I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,

And take us to Heaven to live with thee there.



Wishing you a December filled with peace-filled sleep and splashes of serenity,

Christmas Depression

If ever there is a season where people are prone to depression, psychologists agree Christmas brings it on. Why is this so and what can we do about it?

A widow shared with me recently, "I can hardly bear the thought of Christmas since my husband died. Christmas is painful--so much of the celebration is about family." Well, what a wonderful time to welcome the suffering into your family! After all, didn't the Baby Jesus come "...to bring good news to the poor.... to bind up the brokenhearted .... to comfort all who mourn...." (Is. 61:1-2)?

This Christmas let's remember those whose hurts hurt more during December. Invite the poor and broken hearted to share the day with you. Buy gifts for children of the unemployed. Bake cookies and deliver them to the home of a shut-in.

One of my most joyous Christmas memories was a surprise visit to the widow and invalid who lived across the street. Dan played his trumpet and we sang our Christmas card to her. She burst into tears, joined in the singing, and said, "This is my best Christmas ever!" We received cookies and a Christmas memory of our own.

This Christmas be blessed as you bless those depressed at Christmastime. "...bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." (Is. 61:3). It will be a splash of serenity you'll never forget and give you your best Christmas ever!

What will you do for someone who hurts this Christmas?

Blessed Christmas season to all,

Elaine