What did you get for Christmas?

When I was young, after opening all of my gifts, I wanted to know "what did you get for Christmas?"

This Christmas I received way more than I gave. Here's the short list:

1. A former neighbor of mine, a single mom of four, on government assistance, sent us $200. She wanted us to use it to help a family in need. To say the least, we were humbled. While we spend less than this on our immediate family, we certainly had no plans on spending this much on a poor family we didn't even know. Out of her poverty our former nieghbor gave but we in our relatively wealthy state were closed fisted. We are thankful for the gift of conviction that has caused us to refocus on Christ who though He was rich he became poor so that we might become eternally rich.

2. Joey is an alcoholic. He lives in his "family's" house. It is completely dilapidated & is in danger of collapasing. He lives with his two dogs. Conversations are often awkward as they stream with honesty about his conditions but also many excuses as to why he doesn't seek help. We ran into each other on the street as the kids & I were passing out invitations for a church event. After the normal small talk, he gave me a 1962 quarter which he claims has exceptional value due to its uniqueness. At the corner of Marigny St & N. Villere God used a downcast alcoholic to humble me. When I first approched Joey I was sure he'd ask me for something but instead he gave me something; $0.25 & a large dose of conviction.

3. My kids gave me a great gift this year. With the help of my wife, they stamped their footprints on a piece of paper & wrote "I'm following in your footsteps."


The Bible teaches us to train up a child in the way he should go. When I think of this I usually think of providing the basic needs of food & shelter, teaching them about Christ, loving & disciplining them, creating fond memories (both of the grand & mundane) & helping them become all God created them to be. It's daunting, though, to think about how they are watching my every move, learning more about life by what I do than what I say.
My main concern is that I'm a sinner who is "prone to wonder." Will they learn to trust in the things of this world to bring them pleasure as their daddy so foolishly does? Will they be short tempered and insecurely arrogant like me? Will they overcommit in an effort to be a hero & impress others? I have a responsibility to model for them Christ-like behavior & I pray that God will give me the grace to do so; He's given me the Model. May I look to our Great Father who has given us everything for life & Godliness.

4. There are many other gifts that I'm thankful for such as an amazing wife & beautiful children, a wonderful city to live in and amazing nieghbors who spoil us, the sweet fellowship found at St. Roch Community Church, a job that I love, a house to call home & on & on.

I'm thankful for all the gifts I recieved under the tree: a new ESV study Bible, family photos, new underwear (now I'm able to throw away my most holely possesion) & a really amazing piece of art work my ever creative wife made.
I am, though, most thankful for Christ, who came to free me from all my sin & sorrow. While I look back & rejoice that God put skin on only to suffer & die for me I also glory that He's coming back & long for His return just as the saints of old antipicated the Prince of Peace.

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