What do kids really need for Christmas? A man came home late from work to find his seven-year-old son waiting for him at the door. The first thing out of the child’s mouth was, “Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?” “Son, I make $50 an hour” said the dad. “Well, can I borrow $25?” the boy asked. “Yes, but for what?” replied the dad. Without saying a word, the little boy went to his room, removed some crumpled money from under his bed and added it to the money his dad gave him. He came back and said, “Daddy, now I have fifty dollars so can I buy an hour of your time?” It seems this is a generation of single parents and grandparents raising the children. It seems there are expensive gifts from technology to tricycles, but the greatest gift you can give is not a thing, but you. Your children need you more than anything you can give.
Being a godly dad and mother is a huge responsibility, but it is also one of life’s greatest joys.
“If a child lives with…
Criticism: He learns to condemn.
Hostility: He learns to fight.
Ridicule: He learns to be shy.
Shame: He learns to feel guilty.
Encouragement: He learns confidence.
Praises: He learns to appreciate:
Fairness: He learns justice.
Security: He learns faith.
Approval: He learns to like himself.
Acceptance: He learns to live in this world.
Love: He learns to love himself and others because you give unconditional love.
Godliness: He learns to love God” — Unknown.
Good parents are one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most unparalleled valuable assets in our society. Dad and Mom the greatest special gift you can give your children are good parents and a happy Christian home. A home is a place where strife is shut out, and love is shut in. Your presence is needed more than your presents. You are the greatest gift you can give. Children need you more than things. Children will always need a “home” that is “there” for them. We are family and I love us! It seems this generation is passing to the next generation valuables but not values. Make this a good Christmas and build good family memories together. You will find in later years that your legacy will be the treasured times instead of temporal things. Loving moments make lasting memories. The best things in life are not things. Don’t love things, love people. Many would simply love to be loved this Christmas. Naturally, the best Christmas gift is Christ (John 3:16). Without Christ, there would be no Christmas. As Tiny Tim (Carol) said, “A Merry Christmas to us all; God bless us, every one!”
Thought: Why did the wise men smell of smoke? “They came from afar (fire).”
