Christmas may be the "most wonderful time of the year", but it can also turn in to the most stressful time of the year as well. As children, we delighted in the gift-giving and receiving, the special activities, the lights, the cookies, the stories, and all the things that came together to make the Christmas season special. And then we grew up...

Suddenly each of those activities required planning and preparation. Then they multiplied into many more obligations needing crammed in to an already hectic schedule. For many adults, Christmas becomes a season to survive rather than a season to celebrate. Somewhere along the way, many of us feel like somehow we're missing the whole point.

But it doesn't have to be that way.

First, Keeping it Simple:
If ever there were a time to simplify our lives, I believe the Christmas season needs it the most. I would love to hear the thoughts of others, and I will in turn share some of mine:

- Our yearly Christmas program is a simple rather than elaborate production during a regular evening worship time of our church. We perform it to glorify God, not ourselves. We also schedule it on a Sunday when we'd usually have a fellowship meal, so that we're not adding an extra event to the normal calendar.

- We don't have a separate program for children, youth, adults, or other special choirs. We do one program and each group has a small part in it, so that we're not adding additional stress to the season. The children generally practice their small part at the end of the Sunday school hour and/or for a few minutes immediately after our regular mid-week children's program.

- We do have other celebratory events, but they're also kept simple and scheduled during our regular meeting times.

- As a family, we carefully evaluate the events and activities we attend or participate in. We don't become hermits, but we do purposefully slow our social calendar down and spend more time together instead.

- We focus on our relationship with God. We let Him center us as only He can. I will often begin a new study or devotional that helps me to know Him more.

Then, Making it Meaningful:
When we simplify the season, we also make room for a more meaningful event in our lives and in the lives of those around us. We can volunteer in local organizations that make a difference in our community, and give the gift of our time and talents to others. And most of all, we make room in our lives for true worship and communion with the One who rescued us from a path of self-destruction and replaced it with an abundant life.

Several years ago, inspired by some of my fellow online pastors' wives, I put an end to the endless shopping to find gifts for those who already have everything they could possibly want or need, and started donating to charities in their honor instead. I did this for family, church workers, and even school teachers (how many apple-themed knick knacks or gallons of shower gel do they really need?) I matched their interests with gift ideas from the World Vision Gift Catalog, or I donated to a charity they already work with, such as the Gideons and denominational disaster relief organizations.  This year, thanks to other pastors' wives from around the world, I've also become aware of Tearfund, Heifer International, and The Leprosy Mission. Do you have a favorite charity or denominational ministry you like to give to? Please leave us a comment and tell us about it.

We can also be creative in how we give to others. Fair trade organizations like World Crafts and Trade As One offer opportunites to buy gifts that help families in developing nations earn a living wage and break the cycle of poverty. This trading relationship also gives missions personnel an inroad for sharing the gospel. Again, if you know of a similar organization, please make us aware of it in the comments section.

Looking for something more? Then perhaps you're up to the Advent Conspiracy challenge (versions of this video customized for Canada, Australia, and the U.K. are also available in the "resources section" of the advent conspiracy website):



I took the challenge this year and organized a charitable giving fundraiser for the Pure Water, Pure Love ministry. In exchange for a name-your-own-price donation, participants will receive a specially-labeled water bottle, an ornament made by our children's Sunday school classes, a gift card, and a gift bag to give to the person they're honoring with the donation. This is a project God called me to do this year, as I learned through tears how many parents in third world countries do not even name their children until they're at least two years of age, because it's unlikely they will live that long. It has truly been a partnership between us, and I look forward to what we'll do together next.    

I would encourage everyone who reads this article to be open and sensitive to a worthy cause God may be laying on your heart this Christmas season. And please... tell us about it in the comment section so that we can all share in the joy!

May God bless you with a worshipful and meaningful Christmas.

Love, "Moose"

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