Finding the meaning of Christmas with your family

Tonight we were at the Salvation Army in Tiffin. My entire family all 7 of us including little E-beth showed up to pack food boxes and organize toys for families that need help during Christmas. This time together went a long way to teach my children some valuable life lessons about what it means to follow Christ. It also did wonders for our family because it grew us together and created a lasting memory for my children of what we did as part of our ritual for celebrating Christmas. Isabel helped me break down empty boxes and helped others fill boxes with food. Tawna, Austin, & Hailey helped organize and haul toys to the tables. E-beth even got in the mix as she moved garbage bags full of popcorn balls from one place to the next. Erin got to break away from our kids and actually interact with other adults as she got to pack food boxes and retrieve food from the back room pantry. Of course I watched the kids and the pizza table as my contribution...hah, hah. In all seriousness I actually did some work too (as hard as that is to believe). Doing this activity together taught my children much more than any words I could have used, any lesson from the Bible I could have taught. The experience itself spoke volumes for us all.

I can't think of a better way to understand and experience the true meaning of Christmas than to help another person in need. I know for us all, especially the kids, that it makes us even more appreciative of what we do have because there will always be someone who has less than we do. It's so easy to spend the holidays wondering what we are going to get, focusing on all the gifts under the tree. Maybe the greatest gift of all is the one that is given. I know my family experienced that tonight and we will never forget it. If you are struggling to get into the Christmas spirit try generosity. Find someone you can bless with your time or your money. In the end you will receive more of a blessing as the one helping than even the one being helped might experience. From my family to yours, have a very merry Christmas! I know we already have. Blessings, Your Dreaming Pastor