Celebrate the Reason, not just the season

It is December 23rd and I still do not have the Christmas shopping done. To be honest, I really haven't started. This year I haven't felt like buying Christmas. I didn't forget a word there, I mean I didn't feel like buying Christmas. Now don't get me wrong, there will be a couple gifts under the tree for each of our children, but this year I am not going overboard. I am not stressing over it. I am not looking for that perfect toy that will make my children happy. That is, after all, not the happy I want them to achieve this Christmas season.

I want my children to see that their joy comes from God. I want them to see that they have already been given the absolute best present anyone could ever give them. I want them to know that Jesus is that present.

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

I have been teaching them and showing them that Jesus is the reason for the season, but I must admit, I am disappointed that I have not been teaching them giving as much as I should. I want them to grow up thinking of Christmas as a time when you give, not receive, because there is no gift that they could receive better than the gift of Jesus Christ.

Lord, I pray that we teach our children to give with a joy that comes only from You. I pray that as they grow that they give with all praise and glory going to You.

Comments

Zipzicles review and giveaway!!

A couple weeks ago I received a package of Zipzicles to try out and review. I must say, I was super excited. You can read about how Zipzicles was started here. This summer my children and I attended VBS at our church. Since our church is a 30 minute drive and VBS ran from 8:30-12:30, I knew that I would need to pack their lunches. I attempted to make my own Zipzicle type packaging but it did not turn out well at all. I didn't take pictures because no-one needs to witness how bad they were. So, a couple months ago I found Zipzicles and wanted to give them a try. It is such a simple idea and I cannot believe no-one thought of them sooner. One of the things I like most (besides being super convenient) is that the packages are BPA free and recyclable! I also like that I know exactly what my kids are eating because I make it myself. Okay, so here is what I did. I made smoothies and put them in the Zipzicle packages. I am a big fan of tropical smoothies. Here I have coconut milk...

Vintage Christmas Wonderland - Review

When I was contacted a few weeks ago and asked if I would review a newly released Christmas album, I couldn't type fast enough to respond and say YES! Christmas is, by far, my favorite time of year. When I received the Cds, they were wrapped in beautiful burlap and ribbon and decorated with a sparkly snowflake. Along with the Cds, there was a personal handwritten note. It was so sweet and just made the entire experience of this review scream vintage. Vintage Christmas Wonderland by David Ian has a smooth jazzy sound that takes you back to the days when life was less complicated. When I was contacted to review the album, it was described to me as " It's reminiscent of the Charlie Brown Christmas album and meant to bring warmth to the season!". I can tell you, that is a perfect description. While listening to Vintage Christmas Wonderland, I felt like putting up my Christmas tree just so I could plug in the lights and watch them glow. I felt like starting a ...

Educents and Conscious Box - MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!

WELCOME TO MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!! Educents and Conscious Box are offering an Earth Day giveaway. They are giving away a special Earth Day Conscious Box, valued at $20!! Educents is an online business that recently started. They specialize in Educational items. I am so excited to see all they are going to offer. So far, they have had some great items at great prices. Conscious Box is an online company that offers a monthly service wher e you subscri be to receive a box of eco -friendly pro ducts delivered right to your door. Here is a little bi t of information about Cons cious Box from their website ... Subscribe to Conscious Box Discover the best products on the planet... every month ! For April, Conscious Box is presenting its very special Earth Day box! Inside, you'll find incredible products that help you lighten your carbon footprint and better show your love for Mother Earth. From healthy, sustainable snacks to ultra-conscious home products,...

Home with Tracy

Search This Blog