People say that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. A time when people get together with their loved ones and exchange gifts and love. I like the Christmas tradition of giving, but what I am afraid of is that it has become more about getting than giving. "What do you want for Christmas", our loved ones ask. We normally can respond with many things. Things we have been wanting for months that we have already predetermined we would add to our Christmas list this year. We want the newest and best thing out there. I know I got an iPhone for Christmas last year, but I want the new one this year. I don't think there is anything wrong with getting a new phone or wanting nice things, I just don't think it is right to expect them or want them more than we want to give to those in need.

I've been doing a lot of thinking and praying this year regarding giving. I want to be a person who is quick to give even when that person may not give in return. Guess what, doing this actually makes you feel very satisfied, unlike the deep want for a new iPhone every year that never fully satisfies. I may sound dramatic, but I honestly don't care. I am sick and tired of this "me, me, me" mentality that our society so easily slips into. Not everyone falls into this category, but those of us that do (myself included on occasion) need to wake up. There are so many people and families that live around the corner from us that NEED help this year for Christmas. I don't mean they need the newest iPhone. They need basic necessities, or food, or clothes, or even just an extension of love. They need YOU and they need me to step up to the plate and let generosity overflow out of our very beings.

"But, what can I do? I am only one person?" A small gift is better than no gift at all. I challenge you to find someone in need, or find a local charity that you can support and selflessly give to this year for Christmas. My husband and I decided not to get each other gifts this year so that we could give to those in need, and that is the best gift I could ever get; the opportunity to spread the love of Jesus. Jesus Christ is the reason for the season and he gave his life to GIVE us life everlasting. The best way to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and the story of Christmas is by being Christ-like. How can we do that? By giving selflessly, compassionately, wholeheartedly, and willingly.

Let's get back to the true meaning of Christmas, the love of the Father expressed through the giving of His Son. And the willingness of Jesus Christ to lay down his life, so that we may have life. IT'S ALL ABOUT GIVING. We have been given so much that we could never repay, so lets remember that when we give to others this holiday.