This is the day that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; however, somewhere along the way, I started to use this season as a form of discipline. To be honest, I’ve been doing this for years. As a parent, I love Christmas time because it is the easiest time of year to parent our children. I’m pretty sure that I use the same line every year. “…If you’re not good, you’re not getting… (just fill in the blank). I know I’m not the only one because I’ve heard some of our brothers and sisters in department stores. Some of them take their threats to a whole new level and I find myself saying, “Maybe I should use that.” LOL
Well, on Christmas Eve, I heard our youngest daughter threaten to take back her sister’s gift if she didn’t stop bothering her on the way home from church and John 3:16-17 came to mind. It states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” It was in that moment when the Holy Spirit gently reminded me that I could never be “good enough” to earn the gift that God sent us, so it’s time for me to change my approach. I can’t hold my children to a standard that the Father doesn’t hold me to, and I can’t continue to do it in the spirit of Christmas. Ouch! Talk about a “stepping on my toes” kinda moment.
You see, we shouldn’t Lord the gifts over our children’s heads. The gifts should be a reminder that the greatest gift of all was given with unconditional love; therefore, we give because he first gave to us! It doesn’t mean we have to break the bank. It doesn’t mean we have to max out the credit cards or give into their every whim; however, we should give with a cheerful heart and use this season as an opportunity to teach our children about unconditional love because Jesus is love. And let’s face it: Do you want God to give you what you deserve? Just think about it. Then, go to the Father and pray about it.
#Soul Searching with Our Father#
Happy Birthday, Jesus! I love you!
