Today the story I read in Guidepost's Magazine brought together things I've been thinking about lately. As you've read my blog, you know I've been thinking about the importance of helping others and how to incorporate that more fully into my life. What you may not know is that I have also been thinking about how to incorporate these ideas into our Christmas celebrations and replace some of the commercialism with reminders of the true meaning of Christmas.
One idea has been to replace gifts to family with gifts to charities in the name of the family member. While I understand and support those who might like to receive this type of gift, I have mixed feelings about it. When this type of gift is exchanged between people that really want this, it can be a real blessing. But not all understand this sort of gift. And it is also fun to surprise loved ones with something they'd particularly like for themselves (and some of my loved ones really NEED things). So, I've continued to pray about how best to address this issue. Unbeknownst to me, the answer was in the Dec 2012 Guidepost (that I only now had time to read.)
Essentially, the idea is this. Each person that chooses to participate will give at least one gift to people less fortunate in some way. Every time you do this, you write it down - one gift per piece of paper - and put it anonymously in a very special wrapped box with a slit in the top. When you open your Christmas gifts, this box is opened first - with the reminder that whatever we do for those in need we do for God. (Matt 25:35) Then each slip of paper is read. Doesn't that sound inspiring? For specific ideas of how this can work, be sure to check out the full story. You can read it on-line here.
2 comments:
Hi Cheryl,
I am so encouraged that this tradition spoke to your heart. It has meant so much to my family-transforming us in ways we never expected. I read your thoughts about the butterfly and it brought a smile to my face. I was just reflecting yesterday that beauty of the butterfly is in its transformation. What a miracle it is!
I hope you enjoy The Sparkle Box tradition. TheSparkleBox.com has lots of ideas--many shared by readers--that you may be interested in. You can also listen to the complete story being read on Dr. James Dobson's radio program through a link under the news tab on the site.
Warm regards,
Jill
This truly IS a great idea. Thanks for sharing it.
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This blog is simply a sharing of my "daily bread" - my daily walk with God. If something I've said has touched your heart, or sparked a new thought, I'd love to hear from you.