What do you really need or want for Christmas? A man came home late from work to find his seven-year-old son waiting for him. The first thing his son said was, “Dad, how much money do you make in an hour?” “Son, I make $50 an hour.” “Well, Dad can I borrow $25?” “Yes Son but for what?” Without saying a word, the boy ran to his room, returned with some crumpled bills and added it to the money from his dad. He ran back saying, “Dad, now I have fifty dollars, so can I buy an hour of your time?”
This is a time of absent dads. Single parents and grandparents often raise the children. It is a generation that seeks valuables but not values. Everyone wants the newest, fastest, and most costly technology gifts. But when all the gifts have been opened and they face the new year, it seems something is still missing. Things just do not fulfill that emptiness within (Psa. 107:9). The greatest things in life are not things, but people. Don’t love things but love people. People will remember your presence long after the presents are gone. Also an inheritance is when you leave things, but a legacy is when you leave YOU. YOU will be remembered long after the inheritance is gone. There is no substitute for you. Being a good Godly dad or mother, a loving wife or husband, respectful children is one of the best gifts you can give, and it is also one of life’s greatest joys. We are family, and I love us!
The greatest gift you can give your family this year is a happy contented Christian home. There is a difference between a house and a home. A house is built with hands, but a home is built with heart. “If children live with: Criticism: They learn to condemn. Hostility: They learn to fight. Ridicule: They learn to be shy. Shame: They learn to feel guilty. Encouragement: They learn confidence. Praises: They learn to appreciate. Fairness: They learn justice. Security: They learn faith. Approval: They learn to like themselves. Acceptance: They learn to live in this world. Love: They learn to love others. Godliness: They learn to love God” – Unknown.
It has been said that “Good Godly parents are one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” This Christmas, remember your family needs you more than things. Have a Christian home where love is shut in and strife is shut out. “Loving Moments Make Lasting Memories.” Loving family moments are priceless. Later, your presence will be remembered more than your presents. You gave treasured moments and memories, not merchandise. Naturally, the greatest Christmas gift is always Christ (John 3:16). Christ is the meaning of Christmas. Without Christ, there would be no Christmas or Christianity. So this year let’s build lasting memories, and especially during another Covid Christmas, remember your presence means more than your presents!
Merry Christmas – Y’ALL
