Pass it on!

What do you want for Christmas?  I've been asked that question a lot lately.  While I'd love to get a pretty new scarf, a new dresser, or jewelry, there really isn't anything that I need.  And I've heard the same from so many others.

I'm not sure if it's the Children's Hospital commercial that airs every fifteen minutes, or the How to be Rich series by Andy Stanley that we've been going through, but lately I've been convicted about how much I have compared to others around the world.  And yet, here we are, trying to come up with more unnecessary stuff that we can ask for for Christmas, or trying to find a gift for someone who has everything.

Each year I do something to give back... shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, buying holiday meals for the homeless, etc, but this year I haven't done anything.  I keep telling myself that we're trying to save every penny for this adoption.  However, the more I try to convince myself, the more I see that commercial with the kids saying "I need you" or hear about the people who really need help.

We do need money for this adoption, however we are very blessed that it is only our need.  We are able to put food on the table, pay our heat bill, and have clean water.  Christmas is about giving, and instead of giving someone a 6th pair of flannel pants or ipod speakers, we should be sharing with those who really are in need.

I recently heard about giving charity gifts in the name of someone else for Christmas gifts.  A friend of mine mentioned how they were buying a goat and chicken for a family in Africa instead of a gift for a family member who has everything and more.  It really stuck with me, and so I'm looking into doing this for a few people I still need to buy gifts for.  

If you're still looking for gift ideas for someone who has everything, check out World Vision's gift catalog.  You can sponsor a child, buy a goat and/or chicken for a village, or pay to teach someone how to sew.  Or sponsor a family through Children's Hospital.  Or find another way to thank God for the blessings in our lives and pass on a few of those blessings to those who really need it.