Light of the World

At Christmas, Some of my favorite symbols of Jesus' birth have to do with light.
Glowing light from candles and stars remind us on these long, dark December days that Jesus is the light of the world to save us from all kinds of darkness!
Spread the light and love of Jesus this Christmas by your words, thoughts, and actions.
Every good and perfect gift is from above." -James 1:17
For many, Christmas is all about gifts. Jesus is our indescribable gift as the Bible says, and the Wise Men brought Him gifts suitable for a King. It must have seemed odd to bring a young child the gifts that a full grown King would appreciate, but the Wise Men knew the real destiny and identity of this child. This is good gift giving advice for us, too..some of the best gifts are those given by others who see the real person we are and the possibilities of who we can become.
We all have a special way to feel loved--the "love languages" theory, and you may want to tap into this as a gift giving guide! See ideas below.
(the 5 love languages are: physical touch, acts of service, spending time together, words of encouragement/affirmation and receiving gifts)
First, Give the gift of a warm welcoming heart and home
Christmas is the time to set the stage to worship our King! Engage all the senses...
Smells of cinnamon, fresh greenery, Christmas cookies
Sight of the Christmas tree and decorations, candles and stars
Tastes of special Christmas foods your family enjoys
Sounds of Christmas carols and music playing, bells ringing (we tied little bells to our toddler's shoes one Christmas--what a way to keep them entertained in their car seats)
Touch of warm flannel sheets on beds, warm quilts and afghans to snuggle up with.

All these things make your home a warm, welcoming place to be.
However,the most important way to celebrate Christmas is in your heart. Remember the first Christmas? No one has any room for Jesus and His family , and everyone is too hurried and busy to even notice the baby in the manger. Make room for Jesus in your heart this Christmas, and in your activities. Make time for Him and celebrate His coming. Keeping Him at the center of your Christmas will help you keep His light and love in your heart to share with others.
Give the gift of Time
Scale down whatever activities and preparations you can so that you have time to enjoy your family and friends. One of my favorite Christmases was one when our oldest son was 2weeks old and it was one of the coldest winters on record. We stayed inside and spent Christmas Eve listening to Christmas music and just reflecting on the gift of Jesus...and the gift of our new son. Many other Christmases were spent with juggling the activities of three kids and not having much time at all to even be home to enjoy the decorations and each other! Plan a special outing or two...just loading the kids into the car, playing Christmas music on the radio and driving around to look at the lights makes a special memory. Attending a special service at church, or musical performance can also be special. Read Christmas stories about the real meaning of Christmas together each evening ...my kids still talk about some of our favorites. Grab the popcorn and watch some Christmas movies. Find some friends and take yourself or the kids caroling. Most of all, take the time to look your loved ones in the eye, give a smile and some moments of your complete attention.
Give the gift of Encouragement
So many of us need a kind word, a caring word, an encouraging word! Your words are gifts when you take the time to sincerely notice others and how they make a difference in your world. Make the effort to talk to others about how they're special to you, or how they have helped you. A letter is even better. Erma Bombeck wrote a great column once that has always inspired me. It was the story of a dying mother who left each of her three sons a letter to be read at her passing. In each letter she wrote, "Don't tell the others, but I always loved you best". She went on to describe the special things about each son in her letter..what a gift! A letter of appreciation is such a gift to those who receive it..write one to frame for your parents, a friend, spouse or others. I'm making copies of a letter written by one of my great, great grandfathers about his faith for my kids and framing it for Christmas.
Going along with words could be hugs, shoulder pats and other actions of affection. Hold you little ones on your lap when reading. So many people crave a hug, so pass some out!
Give the gift of giving
It truly is more blessed to give than receive--teach this to your children early! In this of all seasons, think of ways you and your family can bless others. Rethink the gift thing in your family and decide to scale back so you can help others--send some money to an organization like Samaritan's Purse, Compassion, Heifer Project International and others. You can buy chickens, goats, drinking water filters, books, medicine and other items for families who need them. There may be a family or person close to you who could use some money or items--how blessed you both would be to meet their needs! Help your kids go through their toys, clothes, coats, etc. to find still good items to pass on or donate.
Give to others with the gift of service. Do something for someone needy or for someone in your family. You may help someone paint a room or house, clean out a closet, make food to stash in the freezer, go shopping, or teach a new skill.
Give the gift of imagination...just say no to plastic and batteries! Some of the best gifts I've given have been those that help kids use their imagination. Dress-up clothes from the thrift store, cardboard box castles , tulle gathered up in a hoop and appliquéd with flowers and hung from a ceiling, a fabric cover for a card table with "doors and windows" appliquéd on for a barn, fort or clubhouse can be great ideas. The only exception to the no batteries clause is flashlights. (I've loved flashlights since I was in 3rd grade and smuggled one under my pillow to keep reading at night after bedtime--I was busted from sneaking into the closet to read(my parents saw the light) so the flashlight became my new best friend!) And on that note, books are always an excellent gift! (Include a personal inscription about your selection to that person)
Surround yourself with the sights and sounds of the Christmas Season, gather those you love for some memory making and gift giving of all kinds , and above all thank God for His indescribable gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior. He who is the light of the world saves us from the darkness of sin, death, despair and our own human selfishness.
This is not a traditional Christmas song, but it reminds us that God is constantly sending His love our way. May you have a Merry Christmas and abide in the love, hope, peace and LIGHT of Jesus Christ!