My Grandmother’s family had a tradition of playing the Christmas Gift game. Does your family do this? I would love to hear your story of it. Only Grandmother did it and the older I get the more I wish we had kept the tradition alive in our family. Growing up I listened in wonderment as my proper Grandmother turned back into a fun loving girl again. In the game of Christmas Gift, the first person to say “Christmas Gift” earned the first gift, an extra gift, for that day. Grandmother would answer her phone “Christmas Gift” instead of the normal “Merry Christmas” as the majority of people do. 
She loved that game. It reminded her of her childhood and holidays at home. Research on this game revealed that it could be done for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It started as a custom that was broadly practiced by families from the southern parts of the United States. My Grandmother (paternal) grew up near Richmond, Kentucky and was definitely a fine Southern lady.
My daughter-in-law has German heritage and continues a German Christmas tradition. On their Christmas each year is a hidden glass pickle ornament. The lucky person to find the ornament is supposed to receive a finder’s gift and good fortune for the next year. It is said that these ornaments were first sold in the United States in 1880.
I don’t remember any other specific Christmas traditions. Sure we decorate, make cookies and candy, and visit family. Nothing exceptional or out of the ordinary. We used to have a progressive dinner for my mother and her siblings. That could be a blog in itself. Now things are just toned down.
Toned down describes Jesus’ birth. Nothing elaborate and fancy. Born in a stable with shepherds as messengers to spread the news. Jesus had humble beginnings and taught humility. I looked up the meaning of humble: having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance, not haughty, arrogant, assertive, or proud. Wow – if anyone had a reason to feel important or know He was important, it was Jesus, but He acted like a servant to all. Jesus was not proud, conceited, or arrogant. He did not push people around or assert Himself. Jesus resonated love, purity, goodness, and patience. He taught us what things really mattered. Lessons in riches showed us that our treasures are not here on Earth in things but in Heaven with Him and the Father. His family is our family. We should love and care for them as He wants us.
This year just might be the perfect time to start a new Christmas tradition. One that is pleasing to and lead by Jesus. Pray about it, open your heart and mind. Maybe some type of donation or charity would be for your family. Perhaps buying some livestock, chickens or seed for someone makes your heart sing. If you decide on one, I would love to hear about it. “Peace on Earth and goodwill to men.”
Siblings and cousins eagerly await the new one, also. Funny, adorable pictures are sent or put on Facebook to let everyone know a new member will be added to the family. There are showers to flood the family with all kinds of things for the baby. Several of my friends have had Grammy showers.
Mary left pregnant and came back a mother. The journey took a while to make, too, with no way to get news to her family. Oh my! Mary had her baby without her mother or other family there. Did she return and announce “here is Jesus, our Savior.” Probably not. Mary most likely had to keep that bit of knowledge to herself. Treasuring that blessing and holding it deep within her. However, I would think Mary’s family gathered around to see her new bouncing baby boy when she and Joseph returned from Bethlehem. Families are universal and a baby unites them. He brings hope and joy. Everyone smiles around a baby. Happiness abounds when an infant is nearby. Women want to hold him. Children want to see his toes. Men turn into a pile of mush and say sing-songy things in a funny voice. Babies bring families together.
Wow, total honesty. Our God already know that anyway, but He just wants us to admit it to Him and ourselves. All of the prayers are like this, meant to draw us closer to God.
The prayers are not complicated or overthought, but they are sincere and moving. The issues are real. Some days I read prayers over and over again. I read them to help me or to a friend that needed encouragement. The intent of this prayer book is to lead us to God each day and live our lives with our hearts. We should give our hearts to God and watch where He takes us. Talk about inspiring and encouraging. This is it! I loved it. It is definitely a 5 star recommendation from me. I will be giving some for Christmas gifts as well as keeping one for myself. You should check it out.
Giving gifts is a privilege, and getting them is a real treat. I love how it makes me feel to know someone cared enough to spend time on me. I feel loved.
They should relate to others that we thought about them during this Season of Miracles and Love. They should let others know how important they are to us, as important as a teacher or mailman. They should build memories, happy ones.
attention from page one until I finished the book. I ran the gamut of emotions while reading the story, too. Rage, disbelief, love, heartbreak, forgiveness, grace, and everything in between. I cried (and cried) while reading this touching story.
Andrew on the other hand has continued his bad ways and ends up in prison himself.
fortunate to have much or any free time to read. It is important to nourish and feed your soul just like it is your body. I have found a great devotional for both groups. If you need a quick three or four minute lesson to read alone or add to your arsenal, try this one.
discernment, love, priorities, time, things out of our control, surrendering to God, and so many more. Often the devotional was like a mini Sunday School lesson, teaching me.
Harvest House hits the streets September 1st. It is 242 pages of wealth on digging deeper into God’s Word and Voice. Pre-purchase it and receive a free book along with it.
bible reader or novice just beginning, is to read, write, and pray God’s Word. No typing. Write it with your hand on paper so that it stays with you. She has a variety of things to share to enlighten and encourage. There is much more packed into this impactful jewel.
recommendation.
Both of my grandmothers were talented cooks. Even cleaning is a gift. My sweet mother keeps the cleanest house and it is a talent of hers. How about bring others to Jesus? That’s another one. Being gracious, making people feel at ease, taking charge in emergency situations, always being cheerful are gifts that not everyone has. Think about what you really enjoy and what you are able to do well. Chances are those are the gifts or talents Abba has placed on you.
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 