Christmas to me.

There is just something about December and the time we really focus on the birth of our Savior. I know some people just LOVE Christmas time. The decorations, the lights, the parties... all that is part of the 'season'.

I enjoy those things too, to a degree. Probably more than anything just the thoughts of Christmas' past with loved ones who are no longer here on earth. 

My father absolutely loved Christmas. He was Bob. Bob the gift-giver. Dad would glow like a child and we would spend countless hours on December 23rd and 24th making sure he had all the gifts he needed. The last few years of his life we would travel to a nearby city just to buy decorations and old-fashioned Christmas decor for our homes. Even on furlough, it never failed as each December would find us doing the same things.

One of the things he loved most was old Christmas music. In particular was an old cassette tape of the gospel group, The Statler Brothers. There is a song that is engrained in my mind as I heard it year after year growing up that was called 'Christmas to Me'. The theme is pretty evident. Each member would sing their part, telling the listener why Christmas is so special to them. What it meant to them as a person.

Family, friends and the snowy landscape. All those things are mentioned as you would imagine. But the last verse was the best one. "Christmas to Me", he says, "is a new born baby."

As Christians we know that to be the truth, but at times in my life I know it's not 'Christmas to Me'. I let the gifts and get together's be the focal point. Even here on the mission field it's easy to get side-tracked. 

This week is a major week for us. We have folks that have and hopefully will be participating in our Christmas outreach. Our goal is to share what Christmas really is with hundreds of children and families in the inner-city and villages of Guatemala. 

We plan to have a small gift and the unadulterated gospel to give to each person. That IS 'Christmas to Me'. Sharing what He did, when He came and how He came. It's too precious of a story to keep in the family den this year. I encourage you to share it with others. Use this opportunity to give away the greatest gift YOU ever received. 

Jesus.

*If you would like to participate in the Christmas outreach, there is still time. Follow this link for more information:

Guatemala Christmas Outreach