The Meaning of Christmas

This video was sent to me by several friends, and I think it is worth sharing. It makes me think about how we can change the world by touching the lives of the people around us.
Check it out!



How do you celebrate Christmas?
It wasn't too long ago that we would spend the Christmas season scrambling to find the right kind of gift for extended family that we rarely saw. We started feeling like we were just giving gifts because that is what you do at Christmastime, but there really wasn't much thought put into those gifts. And I could probably bet money that most of those gifts we gave were met with "that's great, but what would we ever do with it?" If you have ever had that thought, then most likely, that gift was given by me!
Have you ever been caught in the mad shopping scramble and wondered why you were participating?
A few years ago, our family decided to stop buying gifts for each other and instead put that gift money to good use. Here is what we do:
Every year a family member is put in charge of the Christmas charity. All other family members send the money (that would have been used to buy meaningless gifts) to the family in charge. This money is then sent to reputable charities and causes, either in the U.S., or around the world, that God has placed on the hearts of those in charge. Once the charities have been decided and the money allocated, a letter is written to all other family members explaining what our total donations achieved. Our favorite Christmas tradition has become opening this letter on Christmas morning and seeing how we have helped to change the world ( a few people at a time).
I can't tell you how good it feels to know that we are giving impoverished families food, and along with that, hope. Or, for the child who doesn't have a gift to open on Christmas morning, joy. Just imagine what we can accomplish if we all decide to put aside our wants and instead focus on the unmet needs of millions around the world. Not only would it change the world, but our own hearts as well.
Here is another thought. What if we didn't stop at just celebrating Christmas. What if we decided to celebrate Jesus all year, by doing the work that he has called us to do? After all, the work that began at His birth will continue on through you and me.

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas!