Happy Birthday, Jesus!

I always feel like a little kid when I say that. But, it is what the season is all about. Actually LIFE itself is all about Jesus- it bothers me when people only choose to focus on Him one or two days a year. All these people saying "You shouldn't take Christ out of Christmas!" Well, we allowed Him to be taken out of everything else a long time ago- but it seems people don't think about that. Anyway- I won't get on that soapbox right now. I know this is going to sound silly- but every year on Christmas Eve, I give a "present" to Jesus. I know what you are asking- "What do you give the man that has everything?" All kidding aside, I always thought it was funny that we are celebrating Jesus' birth, but we give everyone else presents. I would be pretty upset if it were my birthday and I was the only one not getting presents. So a few years ago, I decided that I would "give" Him something every Christmas Eve. Usually it is a private thing between me and Him, but this year I thought I would share what I came up with. I decided that this year I would give Him the gift of time with my children spent talking about Him. I bought a children's devotional book and I have made a promise to do one with them every night they are home. The devotions are very short and very applicable to their lives. I know it is something I should be doing anyway, but this way, when I give it as a gift to Jesus, it kind of holds me to it and keeps me doing it even if I don't feel like it. I think He will like that gift. I spend a lot of time coming up with things and I always want it to be something realistic that I can actually stick to. So, that is what He is getting from me for Christmas. I usually ask Him for one thing that is above and beyond my usual prayer requests. This year that thing is for us to find the right piece of land to build our house on. Brian has found a neighborhood he likes, but I am not sold on it, yet. I am frustrated and want to make sure we choose the right place, so it stresses me out a bit. We really want to start building in February, but I want it to be the right place, so I am trying very hard not to get desperate and just settle for something. For now, we are going to focus on Christmas and all we have to be so grateful for. We are very blessed and we know that. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and that the New Year brings many great things for all my family and friends!!