Stress and Stuff

I went to chapel at Jenelle's school on Wednesday. I've never been to chapel before. It was excellent. The kids sang praise songs and they had a speaker. The speaker talked about how Christmas has become all about stuff and stress. Basically everything under the tree is just stuff. He asked the kids if they could remember what they got for Christmas last year. Eventually the newness of the toys wears off, etc. Then he talked about the stress. This was geared toward the adults in the room. It's so true! Christmas becomes a time of spending too much money and running all around shopping and being so busy.

So anyway, I decided to start a new tradition this year. I want to make a conscious effort to give gifts to Jesus this Christmas. It is his birthday after all. I shared this concept with Jenelle and Curt. Maybe a gift would be going out of your way for somebody. Or biting your tongue and stopping yourself from complaining or whining or saying something not so nice. Or being patient in those long holiday shopping lines. Or doing something that makes you a little uncomfortable like inviting a neighbor to church or talking to someone about the real meaning of Christmas. Or doing something you don't normally do. Something that takes a little effort and sacrifice I guess.